Early Impressions of The Golem and the Jinni, by Helene Wecker -- February 2020

[Jan]

Early reactions and impressions, so no spoilers in this discussion thread

Adding our first runner-up in the polling for March as an alternative to the other selection.

The sequel is slated for 2021, so read it or reread it and talk about it here.

[Jan]

I read The Golem and the Jinni back in 2013, soon after it came out, after seeing the glowing reviews of Goodreads friends. It was popular with a general audience. Most of the details have left me; just reread my review to see what I could remember...

For those who want to read or reread, what made you want to? Have you begun yet?

[debra]

I also read it several years ago and also don't remember the details other than really enjoying it!! I have passed it on to multiple people with my recommendation. Its both historical and fantasy and the characters were wonderful. A small treasure... If i had the time, its a book a would re-read. But as it goes... "so many books; so little time: Too many new books in my pile to do that.... Enjoy

[Jan]

debra luger wrote: "I also read it several years ago and also don't remember the details other than really enjoying it!! I have passed it on to multiple people with my recommendation. Its both historical and fantasy a..."

I must have given the book away. Hoped looking at some reviews and synopses would remind me of the feeling of reading it, but can't get to it that way.

[Hermien]

I loved this book because of the merging worlds of fantasy and real life. It is a fun, magical fairy tale of a romance with a fair bit of excitement to it. But it is pretty clear that this is also a serious, literary work, raising meaningful philosophical questions, while using the folklore of two different cultures to inform the immigrant experience, offering a fascinating look at a place and time, and linking the experiences of the old and new worlds.

The Golem, Chava, was created by a crazy Kabala scholar, and found herself in New York at the beginning of the 20th century.

The jinni, Ahmed is an ancient creature that finds himself in New York at the same time.

They each have various issues interacting with people and they each have a set of values that is different from most people. They are both lonely and can be themselves only with each other.

A sequel has been promised for years now but no publication date is clear yet.

[Jan]

Hermien wrote: "I loved this book because of the merging worlds of fantasy and real life. It is a fun, magical fairy tale of a romance with a fair bit of excitement to it. But it is pretty clear that this is also ..."

Glad for that input, Hermien. It seems to me Amazon is saying 2021...assuming Amazon knows all!

[Louise]

New member - I also read this book a few years ago and loved it! I’ve been awaiting the sequel for so long now!

[Jan]

Louise wrote: "New member - I also read this book a few years ago and loved it! I’ve been awaiting the sequel for so long now!"

Welcome, Louise! Well, I thought I saw the publication date on Amazon, but can't find it now. Goodreads, though, says 2021. It's The Golem and the Jinni II but also called The Iron Season. That date is looking a little fluid.

[Hahtoolah]

Jan wrote: "I read The Golem and the Jinni back in 2013, soon after it came out, after seeing the glowing reviews of Goodreads friends. It was popular with a general audience. Most of the detai..."

This is one of my all-time favorites. I read it when it first came out and loved it. I got copies for all my friends. I read it again this past year and still found it so intriguing.

[Jan]

I just reread your review on the "final conclusions" thread, Hahtoolah! ☼