chuchureja's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
awill's review against another edition
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
3.0
The next Powells SF book selection. Better than I expected it to be. Definitely a different approach to fantastical creatures, making them the pov characters. And real and interesting. And the historical NYC setting also rang true. But somehow it was never compelling. And really none of the characters were all that likable. The book best part was the beginning - say the first 50 pages - the later sections just didn't have that same oomph. 3.5 of 5.
krazieunkie's review
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
janeofalltrades's review against another edition
5.0
My favorite book of the year. Somehow all of the wandering, fantastical story-lines weave together into a tale of loss and longing. If I could give it ten stars I would. This story will stick with me for a long time. I've never read anything like it.
I agree it does meander a bit before getting to the meat of the plot, but it is worth the wait as it gives so much depth to the world.
I agree it does meander a bit before getting to the meat of the plot, but it is worth the wait as it gives so much depth to the world.
evieliveshere's review against another edition
4.0
Overall I would recommend this book and plan to read the sequel.
- Like the multiple 3rd person perspectives. it magnifies the feelings of loneliness and isolation each character feels, how their situations make them feel trapped at times.
- I did feel a bit confused by Schaalman’s growing obsession with the golem’s survival in America. Perhaps, because he put so much effort in crafting her, he couldn’t stop dwelling on it. Perhaps, by crafting a creature, he felt that he was playing God. He’s been fleeing God most his life too and maybe that weighed on him?
- I loved the depth of each character and how they eventually tied into each other.
- I enjoyed the Jinni and the Golem’s contrasting natures.
- Like the multiple 3rd person perspectives. it magnifies the feelings of loneliness and isolation each character feels, how their situations make them feel trapped at times.
- I did feel a bit confused by Schaalman’s growing obsession with the golem’s survival in America. Perhaps, because he put so much effort in crafting her, he couldn’t stop dwelling on it. Perhaps, by crafting a creature, he felt that he was playing God. He’s been fleeing God most his life too and maybe that weighed on him?
- I loved the depth of each character and how they eventually tied into each other.
- I enjoyed the Jinni and the Golem’s contrasting natures.
sarahofstories's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
theredqueen444's review against another edition
3.0
The premise was good, and I liked the characters, but something was missing for me.
lllkilli's review against another edition
3.0
I was intrigued by the promise of non-greek mythology. While I love the idea of mixing Jewish myths and Arabian/Islamic folklore, it wasn't enough to offset the multiple POV, the time (early 1900 New York), or an unhappy ending.
The book was okay, so if you don't share my hatred of multiple viewpoints, Edwardian era, or unhappy endings, you may enjoy this book.
The book was okay, so if you don't share my hatred of multiple viewpoints, Edwardian era, or unhappy endings, you may enjoy this book.