Reviews

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

scytale's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.5

soderick's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense 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

4.0

sambam_42's review against another edition

4.0

This is a story about 2 mythical creatures who manage to find each other in the midst of 19th century New York City. It plays a lot with their origins, going back in time to the Jinni's past to flesh out details, and what they mean to each other. There were some parts that were slow and, to me personally, the tension didn't really make a big impression on me until the very end. There wasn't a big ebb and flow which I appreciate. Overall it was a great story and well written.

pancino's review against another edition

emotional inspiring fast-paced

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

4.5

michael5000's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-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

mssunnyskies's review against another edition

Too long and slow, other books came up at the library 

imgunnagetyou's review against another edition

just cant get into it

libraryofdreaming's review against another edition

3.0

I think my expectations where too high for this book because it was somewhat disappointing. I anticipated a story about two magical beings exploring NYC together and figuring out life. It sounds silly but I thought it would be like a historical fantasy buddy road trip novel. Well, I was wrong. That's not really what this book is about. It's more of a sprawling character novel with a great historical setting. The last half of the book was very interesting but it takes a long time to get going.

It's just... such a long book. I can't say I disliked it because the writing was engaging, but the length felt unnecessary and it's left me feeling unsatisfied. I really enjoyed the historical elements and I did like the characters. The author really transports you to the setting and makes it feel real/lived in. But there was something missing for me. The plot didn't pop the way I expected it too and the characters felt underused. I'm somewhat curious about the sequel but I think the author could have spent all 800 pages of this book differently and I would have enjoyed it much more.

rahrahsayah's review against another edition

adventurous emotional 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

jaimeroo's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious 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