The Golem and the Jinni (The Golem and the Jinni, #1) in Crazy Challenge Connection

Sep 05, 2021 BookishStitcher rated it it was amazing

This was not a quick read for me, but somehow that seems fitting with the atmosphere of this book that spans centuries. This is a beautiful story of pain, love, greed, and friendship told through two different cultures fantastical creatures. I throughly enjoyed the setting and time period this book was placed within. The plot was interwoven in such a way that, for me personally, it begged to be read very carefully in order to not miss anything. I really enjoyed Helene Wecker's writing style, and ...more

12 likes · Like · see review

May 29, 2019 Lindsey rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, fantasy, 1900-1950

Loved it. A perfect mix of historical fiction (the immigrant culture of 1900 New York City) and fantasy with the combination of two cultural mythologies (the Jewish Golem and the Arabic Jinn). I hope there will be a continuation of Chava and Ahmad's story. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Aug 15, 2017 Anne ✨ Finds Joy marked it as x-dnf

DNF... Abandoned at 50%. It started strong with interesting characters/back story, but the pace just fell off and I lost interest :( especially after having read 'Strange the Dreamer' there's just no comparison as old myth fantasy goes! ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Nov 29, 2016 Vickie rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-star, 2016, historical-ficton, aromatherapy, a-z-dessert, jelly-belly-challenge, fantasy, pretty-posies-across-usa, 2016-shrink-that-tbr, 1500-member-celebration

Just finished this but need to stop for groceries. Will write review later.

1 like · Like · see review

Jan 19, 2016 Olivermagnus rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, zfeb-2023, 2023

In 2013 thePlay Book Tag Top 10 had one clear cut winner.

1. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker.

I remember listening to this book soon after it was published and thinking it very fresh and original. While I wasn't sure I would like it, it turns out that the fusion of historical fiction and fantasy is one of my favorite genres now.

The story is based on two mythical creatures from Jewish and Syrian folklore who meet and become friends on 1899 New York City. The Golem, Chava, is a woman made In 2013 thePlay Book Tag Top 10 had one clear cut winner.

1. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker.

I remember listening to this book soon after it was published and thinking it very fresh and original. While I wasn't sure I would like it, it turns out that the fusion of historical fiction and fantasy is one of my favorite genres now.

The story is based on two mythical creatures from Jewish and Syrian folklore who meet and become friends on 1899 New York City. The Golem, Chava, is a woman made from clay, designed by an evil rabbi to obey her husband's every command and anticipate his every wish. Her husband brings her to life on the ship from Poland to America. When he dies during the voyage, Chava must learn to build an independent life for herself in America. The Jinni, Ahmad, has been trapped by an evil wizard inside his flask for centuries. Accidentally released by a Syrian tinsmith in New York City, he discovers he is also trapped in human form by a metal band around his wrist.

Chava and Ahmad meet and begin a friendship. Told separately at first, the two story lines eventually merge together. Both Chava and Ahmad fear being discovered for what they really are, but both want to be true to their nature. Chava and Ahmad have to learn to trust each other in order to survive.

The Golem and the Jinni is a quiet, character driven story for the most part, filled with fascinating supporting characters. The Jewish and Syrian neighborhoods seemed very convincing to me and the author describes a very rich immigrant community. The Golem and the Jinni teaches us about the strengths and weaknesses of humanity and the clashes of good against evil. I very very caught up in their story.

When I originally listened to the audio, I felt like the story unfolded a bit too slowly and dragged in some places. I was halfway through before I felt really caught up in the story. I originally gave it four stars. While reading this in print for the PBT Anniversary I realized it was necessary to bring enough background into the story that it achieved maximum impact and emotion. I learned to appreciate this book more the second time around. It 's a five star read for me this time. ...more

Like · see review