Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
An intriguing novel about the conflict between an artistic passion and that artist's conservative religious upbringing.
emotional
reflective
sad
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
informative
reflective
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An immersive tale which is fit for rereading at different ages. Because, like with all good art, each time you will discover another layer. When I first read it, I was probably 16 and unable to grasp the many layers in this story. The style is ‘show, don’t tell’, so almost nothing is explained - except for some dialogues about art and expression. Asher’s story goes much deeper than having to choose between art, religion, family and community. It also gives a glimpse of how it must have been for many born in the US during or shortly after World War II, being raised by parents who are torn by what’s now called ‘survivors guilt’.
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The last time I read this I was in high school. After reading that "My Name is Asher Lev" is the favorite book of some (Non-Jewish) actors I admire, I decided to re-read it.
Well written story that while not totally accurate in details of the traditions of chasidim does well in addressing how a family can deal with a child who wants to break from tradition. You feel the struggle that Asher faces as he chooses between his traditions, faith and talent (calling). In ways this is a timelss story as there are many dealing with similar situations in today's world.
Well written story that while not totally accurate in details of the traditions of chasidim does well in addressing how a family can deal with a child who wants to break from tradition. You feel the struggle that Asher faces as he chooses between his traditions, faith and talent (calling). In ways this is a timelss story as there are many dealing with similar situations in today's world.