Reviews

I Am the Clay by Chaim Potok

chinola's review against another edition

challenging dark sad slow-paced

4.25

laestaci's review against another edition

5.0

Simple, compelling and a bit tragic describe all Potok's stories, resulting in captivating reading that sticks in my mind and turns my gut for a few days after. Amazing to read this book with its wrenching Korean wartime plot and remember: this is the same author who created Asher Lev and Davita. Such memorable characters. One of my all time favorite writers.

simplymary's review against another edition

1.0

I kept reading, hoping it would redeem itself at least by the end...such a dismal waste of time.

kozuch's review against another edition

challenging emotional medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

morvram's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

disasterchick's review against another edition

3.0

I don't know if I would have read this if it had come through me any other way than through my book club. I am the Clay starts of very slow and very sad and told through two old peasants and an orphaned boy during the Korean war. It is about their journey to find safety and their return to the peasants' village. It seems very cold because we only know the name of the boy, his dog, and a neighbor his age in his old village. It is challenging to figure out whose point of view is being stated. Being told through peasants and an uneducated boy the sentences are sometimes choppy and awkward. Besides these negatives this book was decent to read. I wanted to know if they were going to survive and if they were going to keep the boy if they did. I think it is about finding love and yourself caring more than you expect. I think it is also about finding miracles in yourself and others.

daphnerieke's review against another edition

3.0

Another beautiful Chaim Potok. Really want to re-read this!

heatherliz's review against another edition

3.0

I think I maybe just didn't get it.

aylart's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.0