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dawn_chen's review
3.0
Took me forever to read this one. The last three chapters are absolutely phenomenon. There are a lot of philosophical concepts and interesting elements that absolutely awed me. But they were ALL IN THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS. Most chunk of this book was an absolute chore to get through because the ploy went nowhere. I love the portrayal of Angel of Death in this and we basically got so little of them on page (eventho when they're on page it's always absolutely brilliant). This one definitely have the feel of Neil Gaiman to it like it was marketed. But the most of the characters felt flat and I don't really get their motivation. Unlike in a Gaiman book that I usually would fall in love w every character, I don't feel like I connected to any of the characters in this book until the last 50 pages.
racheln23's review
2.0
When there are so many amazing books out there, why continue one that is not so great? To be candid, this went on my DNF list. 15% in to the book and not liking it one bit is when I give myself permission to let it go.
The story is extremely slow. Nothing exciting is happening. We start the tale with a focus on a child, who later becomes (suddenly) a grandmother, who doesn’t have a relationship with anyone, who then disappears and dies. There has GOT to be a better way to incorporate her story in here (if it turns out important at all). Yudeah- he’s a scoundrel, but I only know that because the author tells me.
The scenes are choppy and not compelling. I was very sad that this relationship between book and me did not work out. I was so excited to get in to some Jewish folklore.
The story is extremely slow. Nothing exciting is happening. We start the tale with a focus on a child, who later becomes (suddenly) a grandmother, who doesn’t have a relationship with anyone, who then disappears and dies. There has GOT to be a better way to incorporate her story in here (if it turns out important at all). Yudeah- he’s a scoundrel, but I only know that because the author tells me.
The scenes are choppy and not compelling. I was very sad that this relationship between book and me did not work out. I was so excited to get in to some Jewish folklore.
ellebibliotecario's review
3.0
I cannot deny that this book is different and beautifully crafted; the fantastical elements that sometimes leaned into horror reminded me of Pan's Labyrinth: surreal, intriguing yet unsettling in its atmosphere and otherworldliness. The Way Back follows two main characters as they travel from their simple hometown and make their way into the fantastical Far Country and return to their starting point transformed. It's a hero's journey that has been done many times before, but Gavriel's gorgeous writing and how he enriched this journey through a Jewish folklore lens made for one of the most unique reads I've have read this year. I totally understand why this book was shortlisted for the National Book Award and think it deserves praise.
While I can note all of these great qualities as book, as a reader who enjoys fully immersing herself in her reading and bonding with the characters, this was not a pleasurable read. It was intriguing and halfway through I was invested on how it would end, but it was a sloooow read not only because it was challenging in its themes and mythology, but I did not care much for the two main characters. I do not think I was the right reader for this book, and that is okay. I thought I saw somewhere that this may be classified as a middle grade book? I do not think I would agree with that conclusion and would, in my make-believe public library, place it in young adult.
Whether I found this book enjoyable or not. I will keep this book in mind for a reader interested in atmospheric, well crafted writing with a new spin on a hero's journey in a strange land.
While I can note all of these great qualities as book, as a reader who enjoys fully immersing herself in her reading and bonding with the characters, this was not a pleasurable read. It was intriguing and halfway through I was invested on how it would end, but it was a sloooow read not only because it was challenging in its themes and mythology, but I did not care much for the two main characters. I do not think I was the right reader for this book, and that is okay. I thought I saw somewhere that this may be classified as a middle grade book? I do not think I would agree with that conclusion and would, in my make-believe public library, place it in young adult.
Whether I found this book enjoyable or not. I will keep this book in mind for a reader interested in atmospheric, well crafted writing with a new spin on a hero's journey in a strange land.
serinde4books's review
3.0
*I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) through NetGalley. I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review.*
The book takes place in the 1820’s or so. It follows two kids, the book description said they were teens, although I thought they were more like 12. Yehuda Lieb, son of poor single mother and Bluma granddaughter of Tupik’s midwife, a small Jewish Villaine somewhere in Eastern Europe. They both encounter death one day, and then consequence is a journey through the Far Country, a Jewish land of spirits and demons. Where they decide to make war on Death himself.
I’m not going to lie this one left me floundering about. I was not aware of the characters at all. I suspect they are well known Jewish folk lore characters, but I had no idea who they were. Still I was able to follow the story and enjoy it. I think if I had known who they were some stuff would have made more sense. And the description is right, it did remind me of Neil Gaimen’s American Gods. I enjoyed the read, it was a solid story and I would read more from this author.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
The book takes place in the 1820’s or so. It follows two kids, the book description said they were teens, although I thought they were more like 12. Yehuda Lieb, son of poor single mother and Bluma granddaughter of Tupik’s midwife, a small Jewish Villaine somewhere in Eastern Europe. They both encounter death one day, and then consequence is a journey through the Far Country, a Jewish land of spirits and demons. Where they decide to make war on Death himself.
I’m not going to lie this one left me floundering about. I was not aware of the characters at all. I suspect they are well known Jewish folk lore characters, but I had no idea who they were. Still I was able to follow the story and enjoy it. I think if I had known who they were some stuff would have made more sense. And the description is right, it did remind me of Neil Gaimen’s American Gods. I enjoyed the read, it was a solid story and I would read more from this author.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
hidingzeus's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this. I love a book featuring Jewish folklore but you never see it in YA, especially in a book like this where the story is very dependent upon the mythology. I wasn't really sure how I felt about this book until it was nearing the end and it all came together. Now I want to read more by this author.
toopunkrockforshul's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Really interesting and atmospheric! It was a bit slow and a bit confusing at times which is why it's not a 5 for me but overall really enjoyable!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Death of parent, War, and Grief