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bperl's review against another edition
4.0
I find I can only start to understand an author’s viewpoint after three full books. This, the third Potok I’ve read, is less enjoyable and more incisive than either “The Chosen” or “The Promise.”
I very much enjoyed his explanations and explorations of art, especially when it’s superimposed upon the iconographiphobic Judaic religion. I also realized something about Potok’s style - he intentionally draws only a bare sketch of his main characters, in order to allow the reader more room to inhabit that character. All the events happen to you, personally; you feel the brunt of the pain and joy Potok maps out for you. Each book becomes a commentary, not only upon the character’s worldview, but upon yours as well. Just brilliant.
Well-written, yet not as engaging. Art is, objectively, a subjectively divisive subject. Any book devoted to it must walk the line between preachy and dull. Potok stumbles sometimes here, but nearly always recovers before the topic closes.
Well worth the read.
I very much enjoyed his explanations and explorations of art, especially when it’s superimposed upon the iconographiphobic Judaic religion. I also realized something about Potok’s style - he intentionally draws only a bare sketch of his main characters, in order to allow the reader more room to inhabit that character. All the events happen to you, personally; you feel the brunt of the pain and joy Potok maps out for you. Each book becomes a commentary, not only upon the character’s worldview, but upon yours as well. Just brilliant.
Well-written, yet not as engaging. Art is, objectively, a subjectively divisive subject. Any book devoted to it must walk the line between preachy and dull. Potok stumbles sometimes here, but nearly always recovers before the topic closes.
Well worth the read.
courtaney's review against another edition
5.0
Before reading this book, I had little knowledge of Judaism. After reading this book, I was practically converted. I temper that statement with a full disclosure that this book doesn't always portray Judaism in the most favorable light. But I digress...
Read this book if you haven't. The struggle between the father and son is heartbreaking -- but triumphant nonetheless.
Read this book if you haven't. The struggle between the father and son is heartbreaking -- but triumphant nonetheless.
zoesharonmoore's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
This is a well written book, and I see why my dad loves it, but I did not love the style. Even small details, such as the main character’s walk to school or his childhood desk, added to the overall tone of depression. However, I did empathize with him and found him likable. He doesn’t do anything truly wrong, or deserve the wrath of his father just for wanting to be an artist. I enjoyed how the main character went from simply wanting to “draw the pretty birds”, to experiencing an artistic crucifix. Maybe I haven’t had an aesthetic crucifix like Asher Lev, but we all have excruciating crucifix moments in our lives.
trippy_koolaid's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
themauvereader's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
betseyboo's review against another edition
3.0
The book really started for me at Part 2. If you can make it through the first part I think you will enjoy this book.
zucaritas101's review against another edition
4.0
Let me start by saying, I enjoyed this book. It is well written and an interesting story that really brings you into Jewish culture in a way that makes you feel a part of it and not just an observer. However it took me a little while to get into it because much of the story is very sad and starts out a little slow, I had a hard time seeing where it was going. I do not always require to like the main characters but I got frustrated with how often I was angry with Asher and his parents. But once I hit about halfway into the book I found it difficult to put down. The book follows Asher from very young childhood to early adulthood. This is a long time for people to mature and develop and they were developed in a fascinating way with a very marvelous yet painful conclusion. I recommend this book, but do not expect it to be a "pick me up" in any way.
sjchaima's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
waynediane's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent. Chaim Potok can write! Wonderful story about a Hasidic Orthodox boy discovery of painting and conflict with the religious world.