Reviews

The Dyke and the Dybbuk by Ellen Galford

atomic_tourist's review against another edition

buying all of my friends a copy of this book because i need them all to read it

zhelana's review against another edition

4.0

Although this book was a bit confusingly written at times, I'm giving it four stars because it really was pretty funny. Kokos manages to be a lovable little demon, and Rainbow manages to be likable despite being infested with a demon. There wasn't really any surprises to this story, no major twists or things that I didn't see coming, which stops it from getting 5 stars. But I mean, I wanted a light hearted laugh, and that's what I got, so I can't be too upset with it.

midnight_xviii's review

adventurous funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

martydah's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book. It was a funny twist on the traditional-beliefs-clashes-with-contemporary-culture comedy of errors. Kokos, the dybbuk in question, is released from captivity after several generations to find that the distant relative of her last victim is gay and that the diabolical organization she works for has become a supernatural global conglomerate, Mephistco. Determined, despite new corporate red tape and shifting values, to make good on the curse that she was 'hired' to carry out, Kokos begins to take over the life of Rainbow Rosenbloom, part-time gay film critic and London taxi driver. Rainbow's life is further complicated by her hilarious group of more traditional aunts and a crush on a young, beautiful Hasidic wife and mother. Kokos has her own challenges to face as Mephistco tries to recall her from the original contract for 'retraining and reassignment.'

zefrien's review

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

katebird's review

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

mar's review

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

the ending was a little lacking, but otherwise - really fun read!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Lesbophobia and Antisemitism

Minor: Racial slurs, Biphobia, Hate crime, and Transphobia

brief use of the g slur

bloodscout's review

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This book feels like a folk tale. There's no great catharsis at the end like I would expect from a novel of a similar plot, but instead a sense that everything has been put back in its proper place. Galford has created really interesting and enjoyable characters and a wonderful setting, and I've never been happier to be a lesbian and a Jew.

shosh_ana's review against another edition

4.0

Fun read, great for what it was. Chosen by one of my book clubs, and defied my expectations.

rysuraski's review

3.0

Fun, if a bit over the top. It can get slightly exhausting when every single line is trying to be as clever and snappy as possible. But overall it's an enjoyable voice.

The characters are endearing, though somewhat shallow. The ending is a bit unsatisfying and rushed (Kokos+Rainbow pairing isn't even going to be explored even the tiniest bit?). And the nice manages to avoid really taking any political or social stances whatsoever, except maybe against bisexuals. I was also somewhat disappointed by the lack of depth regarding the dive into religion/mysticism, even though the corporate reimaginings of dybbuks is funny and pretty up my alley.

I'm being a little harsh but I did enjoy it and got through quickly. Very British and quirky, so if that's your thing, you'll enjoy this.