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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
excellent writing and interesting characters, it paints a picture of the era but focuses on the lives of these young friends.
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
3.5 stars really. I enjoyed reading this book. It was well-written and very informative. There were a few long historical or doctrinal essays in the book that were tough for me to get through. It also felt a little bit like it was lacking a purpose or focus. It was the story of two boys growing into young men and learning who they were and what they really believe. I learned a lot about Jewish culture but some of the historical detail and doctrinal detail went over my head.
I can't give it five stars because there's too much I disagree with inside it, but frankly, The Chosen changed my life. It got me into reading, and served as direct inspiration for the novel I'm writing right now. It also fuelled my rather concerning obsession with Hasidic Judaism, a hyperfixation that still hasn't worn off in the three years since I first read it. Potok's writing flows beautifully, and the topics he discusses cut very near the bone. As an Orthodox Jew myself, the theme of Old Ideas vs the New World has always been a present one in my life - and the way Potok discussed it felt hugely moving and relatable. How do we maintain tradition in an ever-changing world? What does it mean to be part of ancient religion in the age of modernity? And how do we, as people, react to tragedy? I could think of nothing but Danny and his poor Father for weeks afterwards; and for some time, I was utterly obsessed with The Chosen.
But while I realise it did wonders for the depiction of Hasidic Jews, the characterisation is a little lacking. Danny's conflict is rife with contradictions, and well, I find Rueven flat-out detestable. He serves as a mouthpiece for Chaim Potok's already obvious prejudices against Hasidim; and if I'm honest, Potok's inability to drop his sneering outsider's perspective cheapens the novel for me. Look, I'm a fierce critic of fundamentalism, but Ultra-Orthodox Jews are so deeply and innately insular that they cannot be judged from a secular lens. It's like judging medieval figures with a 21st century conscience - which wouldn't be fair. I get that this is a story of two worlds interweaving; so obviously, there's going to be judgement, but I find that all character development takes place on Danny's side. Rueven only changes when Danny becomes a meek, watered-down variation of himself; and never gets a chance to see Hasidic culture for what it truly is.
But while I realise it did wonders for the depiction of Hasidic Jews, the characterisation is a little lacking. Danny's conflict is rife with contradictions, and well, I find Rueven flat-out detestable. He serves as a mouthpiece for Chaim Potok's already obvious prejudices against Hasidim; and if I'm honest, Potok's inability to drop his sneering outsider's perspective cheapens the novel for me. Look, I'm a fierce critic of fundamentalism, but Ultra-Orthodox Jews are so deeply and innately insular that they cannot be judged from a secular lens. It's like judging medieval figures with a 21st century conscience - which wouldn't be fair. I get that this is a story of two worlds interweaving; so obviously, there's going to be judgement, but I find that all character development takes place on Danny's side. Rueven only changes when Danny becomes a meek, watered-down variation of himself; and never gets a chance to see Hasidic culture for what it truly is.
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I feel a little undecided about this book. I liked it, I really did. The immersion into Jewish-American culture was fascinating. So was the historical treatment of the struggles surrounding the time period in which this story is set. It was well researched and I really liked Reuvan. This work brought up some very interesting questions for me personally about parenting and the weight of the responsibility in raising a child. I'm nowhere near the time in my life when I have the possibility of having children, but I think it's never too early to think about such an important question: If you have children, how will you raise them? And: Outside of obvious forms of abuse, is there any wrong way to raise a kid? Is there any truly right or wrong answer to these questions? I don't know, but I'm grateful for this book because it made me think and it will continue to make me think for a long time.