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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.
sarkynir's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
This is my third time reading this book and I think it is still considered my favorite fiction book.
Asher Lev is a young Jewish boy who cannot help but paint. His father works for the Rebbe and thinks that painting is a waste of time. His mother is torn between the conflict between Asher and his dad.
The story follows Asher as he grows as a painter and a person.
Heartbreaking, stressful, and deeply passionate.
Asher Lev is a young Jewish boy who cannot help but paint. His father works for the Rebbe and thinks that painting is a waste of time. His mother is torn between the conflict between Asher and his dad.
The story follows Asher as he grows as a painter and a person.
Heartbreaking, stressful, and deeply passionate.
fwarg's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
finalgirlfall's review against another edition
5.0
i worked for--what? how could i explain it? for beauty? no. many of the pictures i painted were not beautiful. for what, then? for a truth i did not know how to put into words. for a truth i could only bring to life by means of color and line and texture and form.it's near 2:30 in the morning here as i write this. g-d... this book was so much to deal with. i saw myself in asher in so many ways.
mary00's review against another edition
5.0
I don't know what to say about this book to show it justice. It is one of the best books I have read in a long time, perhaps one of the best I have ever read. It is incredible and Chaim Potok is brilliant. He is one of my top few favorite authors. His books resonate with me in a way that few books do - especially his prevailing theme of trying to find personal balance between religious tradition and the world. His books are not for everyone, but if you want to read beautiful, slowly-unfolding novels with depth and thought-provoking themes, then give Potok a try. The ending of this particular book is one of the most powerful I have ever read. Asher Lev is a character I will not be forgetting.
moreliajoy's review against another edition
5.0
This book doesn't wait for you to find a place for it in your heart. It carves itself into your very soul and refuses to go even when you cry out in grief.
Asher Lev was never a real person, but he lives so vibrantly in these words on a page that I have seen his paintings in my dreams. On the other hand, there is almost too much truth in this book for it to have ever happened.
500000/5 I recommend for everyone, no matter what you believe in, as long as you have looked at a painting and wondered how much pain its beauty caused and how much pain caused its beauty.
Asher Lev was never a real person, but he lives so vibrantly in these words on a page that I have seen his paintings in my dreams. On the other hand, there is almost too much truth in this book for it to have ever happened.
500000/5 I recommend for everyone, no matter what you believe in, as long as you have looked at a painting and wondered how much pain its beauty caused and how much pain caused its beauty.
emerygirl's review against another edition
3.0
I learned a lot about Jewish Culture in this book. I also learned about art. Potok does a great job creating a picture of his characters in this book.