Reviews

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

amebco's review against another edition

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adventurous slow-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

4.25

likita3an's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-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

4.0

The story is quite slow paced only after around half of the book it started to get a bit faster. The difficulties the main characters face as foreigners thrown into a foreign country are interesting to observe. The golem and the jinni have such a different nature but still are kind of the same in this foreign world to them. They find to each other through their loneliness. I especially liked that they themselves did not understand at first what they mean to each other.

casspro's review against another edition

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3.0

This is definitely one of the more charming fantasy novels. It mixes old world with ancient world in a cleverly modern way, without seeming too stifled. The characters embody their elements (fire, earth, flesh, air) in both personality and temperament. The writing is detailed, so don't expect to fly through the pages. It's best to read it snippets at a time, so as to not get overwhelmed with the plot. The chapters shift between the Golem and the Jinni, while sub-chapters delve into the lives of characters who interact most closely with the creatures. If switching story lines aren't your thing, this might be a difficult time for you. But, if you appreciate the craftsmanship of a historical fantasy, it's worth the time.

oviedorose's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense

4.0

dajoyofit's review against another edition

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5.0

Beautiful.
Magical.
Heartwarming.
Bittersweet.
Hopeful.

This is a beautiful and alluring blend of urban fantasy, Indie film, historical romance (G-Rated), and a human interest story. From the moment I started listening, I found myself loathing to put it down. The next day my heart would skip and leap at being reunited with Chava and Ahmad’s story.

This is one of those rare books that you find yourself so completely immersed in, that it leaves you a bit disoriented as to time and date each time you put it down. I found myself charmed by the writing and the world and the lovely characters of this story.

The storytelling is mesmerizing. And the narrator was perfect. I felt as if I were there in New York in 1899. I felt the chill in the air and the rain drops on my cheeks. I loved the fairytale-like feeling, the cadence of the storytelling, which echoed the rhythm of the era. And I especially loved Chava’s and Ahmad’s journey for the meaning of their existence.

This isn't an epic Hollywood love story. This is more like a quiet Indie flick about longing, self discovery, friendship, community, and love.

emmytalian's review against another edition

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adventurous dark reflective 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? It's complicated

4.5

kathleenguthriewoods's review against another edition

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5.0

Hooked on the first page. A beautifully written story that blends myth, legend, magic, pathos, history, and intriguing characters.

A friend recommended this to me when it first came out, but I got as far as "two supernatural creatures..." and figured it wasn't a great pick for me. I don't recall what inspired me to give it a chance, but I'm so glad I did.

No spoilers, but I will say that I worried the ending would let me down. It didn't. It works.

youngbloodac's review against another edition

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5.0

Amazing characters woven intricately through time. What an amazing imagination. I didn't want to say goodbye to any of the characters.

ljc35's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-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

4.5

Character - 18/20
Plot - 17/20
World - 19/20
Style - 19/20
Average: 18.25/20  --> 4.56/5

komali_2's review against another edition

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4.0

A very swift and exciting read. The story is driven, there are the perfect number of characters, and the character development is very real. Not too long, good for a 2 week read, but I enjoyed it.