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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The story of a young man struggling with the tension between his religious faith and his artistic yearnings. The topic alone makes it intriguing, but the style is slow and plodding. Not much happens in the first 150 pages. It gets better after that, but I only stuck with it because it's the first book for a new book club I've joined.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My favourite book.
A beautifully crafted novel that follows an artistically talented young man, Asher Lev, as he defies the wishes of his Hasidic family and community to pursue his gift.
I read this book in 8th grade as an assignment, and of the class of 20, I was the only one to enjoy the book. Maybe because of my years of reading enjoyment, I read past the first line of the book and was able to dig into the character so that I could enjoy and better understand the point of the book.
It's been a while since I read it now, but the Jewish mysticism was really intriguing, even to a 13 year-old. Makes me want to re-read the book with more knowledge and context to go on. The story of a young Jewish boy who begins setching and painting things even many liberal parents would cringe at seeing their child produce, it seemed to delve into relationships in a way I can't remember books I read before then doing. One of the first books I ever read that cause more deep thought rather than casual understanding. Enjoyed and might re-read one of these days.
It's been a while since I read it now, but the Jewish mysticism was really intriguing, even to a 13 year-old. Makes me want to re-read the book with more knowledge and context to go on. The story of a young Jewish boy who begins setching and painting things even many liberal parents would cringe at seeing their child produce, it seemed to delve into relationships in a way I can't remember books I read before then doing. One of the first books I ever read that cause more deep thought rather than casual understanding. Enjoyed and might re-read one of these days.
Loved the story and the character and world development. Very immersive. Not sure how to feel about the ending.
The conflict between tradition and change is particularly sharp when it's on a personal level like in this book. A touching story of the choices one makes on the way to one's dreams and the inevitability of leaving something behind.
I love this book so much. One of the very few I reread regularly.
And it's hard to articulate why I'm so attached to this book. The first time I read it, similar to the Chosen, the exploration of the Ladover community (without judgment), was a revelation for me. After the first read, now I think what I love the most is the mastery with which Potok conveys the angst , the pain, the tourment of all characters. And this ending!
Asher Lev started drawing as a boy, his father didn't accept of his foolishness, claiming painting and drawing are for goyims, not religious Jews like them. So there is tension and pain.
As often, it is a show burn, but with few words, we get the entire vibe of the moment. New York is also such a present character in the book.
Chaim Potok is definitely not for everyone, as his writing style is very particular.
And it's hard to articulate why I'm so attached to this book. The first time I read it, similar to the Chosen, the exploration of the Ladover community (without judgment), was a revelation for me. After the first read, now I think what I love the most is the mastery with which Potok conveys the angst , the pain, the tourment of all characters. And this ending!
Asher Lev started drawing as a boy, his father didn't accept of his foolishness, claiming painting and drawing are for goyims, not religious Jews like them. So there is tension and pain.
As often, it is a show burn, but with few words, we get the entire vibe of the moment. New York is also such a present character in the book.
Chaim Potok is definitely not for everyone, as his writing style is very particular.
4 stars cause I'm still hella angry that it was not a true story as I believed all the time - I want to see that paintings!!!