The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker 4 stars (subdue)

[Cheryl]

In the late 1890's two mythical beings find themselves alone in New York City. Chava, a golem, is made of clay and finds an elderly Rabbi who helps her make her way in the city. Ahmed, a jinni, finds his way with the help of a tinsmith. In a chance meeting the golem and the jinni meet recognizing in each other that neither is human. Walking around New York late at night they each find they can be themselves in each others company. The golem is taken from Jewish folklore and the jinni is taken from Syrian legend. It is a magical tale combining the two cultures.

This was a completely different story from any I have ever read. I found it dragged a little in the beginning for me. It goes back and forth in time and left me confused at times so I had to go back and reread parts of it. The more I read the faster I read and the more involved I felt. I adore Chava and want to read the next book to find out what happens with her.

[Joanne]

An all time favorite if mine, so glad you were able to push through it and enjoy it. I never read book 2, but have every intention to do that.

[Robin P]

I found the parts with the Jinni in the desert much less interesting than the parts in NYC, which are really all about the immigrant experience.

[Barbara M]

You are right Robin, I did too. But I loved, loved, loved this!

[Robin P]

I got to meet the author because she is an alum (from a much later year) of my college, and at a reunion there were tables for authors to sell their books.