A pleasure to read. , July 16, 2005
Reviewer: S. Freedman "Shalom Freedman" (Jerusalem,Israel)
The encounter between those within the Jewish religious world, and the world ' outside' is one of the central themes of the work of Chaim Potok. In his work he finds a way of seeking out what is best in both worlds. In a way he is a teacher of tolerance and acceptance and religious faith, all at the same time.
In this novel the central character is the product of a mixed marriage, an esteemed journalist Gentile father, and a devoted mother who shares her husband's political vision. The story is set in the thirties , and also gives the background of the ideological struggles of that time.
A central theme of the work is the young girl's entering the Jewish religious world.
Potok writes with great clarity and is a master story- teller.
A pleasure to read.
Reviewer: S. Freedman "Shalom Freedman" (Jerusalem,Israel)
The encounter between those within the Jewish religious world, and the world ' outside' is one of the central themes of the work of Chaim Potok. In his work he finds a way of seeking out what is best in both worlds. In a way he is a teacher of tolerance and acceptance and religious faith, all at the same time.
In this novel the central character is the product of a mixed marriage, an esteemed journalist Gentile father, and a devoted mother who shares her husband's political vision. The story is set in the thirties , and also gives the background of the ideological struggles of that time.
A central theme of the work is the young girl's entering the Jewish religious world.
Potok writes with great clarity and is a master story- teller.
A pleasure to read.
A captivating book that reveals the essence of "faith"~ which is what one needs to "keep on keeping on", when all around seems to fall and falter. Great book!
I have read several fiction and non-fiction books by this author and always enjoy them.
Unfortunately, not one of this author's best works.
Davita, the main character, finds her Jewish faith during the turbulent 1930's and 40's.
Written in the first person narrative, it is the thoughts and feelings of a young girl as she grows up, caught between her parent's Communism and her own love of Judaism. An interesting look at the 1930s and 1940s as well as of the religious Jewish life. A must read for anyone who is a fan of Chaim Potok or Jewish fiction.
Good book, came to me in good shape.
Written in 1984. Chaim Potok seems to write the same book over and over, except this time, the main character coming of age is a girl, not a boy. Tell Potok the Dodgers have moved to LA, already!
From the book cover:
"What can Chaim Potok know about being a little girl, one who is caught between two worlds? The answer is: everything. . . . Where before he illuminated a sectarian world, in this marvelous understanding of childhood, he shows its universality." -- San Francisco Chronicle
"The ideas here are rich, provocative and thickly interesting: the soul's desire for a sustainable faith, the tension between political worldly justice and religious, spiritual practice." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Potok's insight into the mind and heart of an adolescent girl, as well as his splendid evocation of the period, bring to life a story and a cast of characters which will not be quickly forgotten." -- Library Journal
"What can Chaim Potok know about being a little girl, one who is caught between two worlds? The answer is: everything. . . . Where before he illuminated a sectarian world, in this marvelous understanding of childhood, he shows its universality." -- San Francisco Chronicle
"The ideas here are rich, provocative and thickly interesting: the soul's desire for a sustainable faith, the tension between political worldly justice and religious, spiritual practice." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Potok's insight into the mind and heart of an adolescent girl, as well as his splendid evocation of the period, bring to life a story and a cast of characters which will not be quickly forgotten." -- Library Journal
