Scan barcode
A review by rachelstubbs19
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
3.0
While there is nothing technically wrong with this novel - it's unique, thoughtful and atmospheric - I just didn't love it.
The Golem and the Jinni is a magic realism/historical fiction novel set in late 19th century New York, following a golem and a jinni (shock) as they attempt to assimilate into their new lives in America.
The jinni is from Syria and lives in a Middle Eastern community, while the golem was created in Poland and is taken care of by a rabbi. I enjoyed the diversity and different perspective that this provided, particularly as it is so different from other New York-based historical fiction I've read which tends to focus on the Upper East Side or rebellious flappers in the Jazz Age. The representation of the immigrant experience, as well as the struggles of poverty and everyday working life, was extremely refreshing. The novel begins with a number of seemingly disparate characters and plot strands which by the novel's conclusion are woven skilfully together.
This is a well-written and clever novel, but it didn't press my buttons. The writing style and atmosphere were too solemn and sad for me to really enjoy it and I felt that it lacked heart. While the golem and the jinni were both nuanced personalities, again I couldn't find myself connecting to them. I think Helene Wecker was too deft at conveying their inhumanity.
Also, the romance really didn't ring true for me. Throughout the whole novel, both main characters go on and on about their lack of attraction to each other - then several chapters from the end suddenly there's a mutual attraction? What? To me, their friendship seemed platonic but genuinely close, and I wish they'd kept it that way.
I think this is once again one of those dark, mystical fairy-tale type stories that wasn't my cup of tea, despite being generally well-loved. I think this is perfect for fans of novels such as [b:Uprooted|22544764|Uprooted|Naomi Novik|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550135418l/22544764._SX50_.jpg|41876730] and [b:Finnikin of the Rock|4932435|Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles, #1)|Melina Marchetta|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1346007613l/4932435._SY75_.jpg|4998084]. If you loved the setting of [b:The Diviners|7728889|The Diviners (The Diviners, #1)|Libba Bray|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1555345561l/7728889._SY75_.jpg|10501517] but are looking for a more adult, grittier experience, this is probably the book for you!
The Golem and the Jinni is a magic realism/historical fiction novel set in late 19th century New York, following a golem and a jinni (shock) as they attempt to assimilate into their new lives in America.
The jinni is from Syria and lives in a Middle Eastern community, while the golem was created in Poland and is taken care of by a rabbi. I enjoyed the diversity and different perspective that this provided, particularly as it is so different from other New York-based historical fiction I've read which tends to focus on the Upper East Side or rebellious flappers in the Jazz Age. The representation of the immigrant experience, as well as the struggles of poverty and everyday working life, was extremely refreshing. The novel begins with a number of seemingly disparate characters and plot strands which by the novel's conclusion are woven skilfully together.
This is a well-written and clever novel, but it didn't press my buttons. The writing style and atmosphere were too solemn and sad for me to really enjoy it and I felt that it lacked heart. While the golem and the jinni were both nuanced personalities, again I couldn't find myself connecting to them. I think Helene Wecker was too deft at conveying their inhumanity.
I think this is once again one of those dark, mystical fairy-tale type stories that wasn't my cup of tea, despite being generally well-loved. I think this is perfect for fans of novels such as [b:Uprooted|22544764|Uprooted|Naomi Novik|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550135418l/22544764._SX50_.jpg|41876730] and [b:Finnikin of the Rock|4932435|Finnikin of the Rock (Lumatere Chronicles, #1)|Melina Marchetta|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1346007613l/4932435._SY75_.jpg|4998084]. If you loved the setting of [b:The Diviners|7728889|The Diviners (The Diviners, #1)|Libba Bray|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1555345561l/7728889._SY75_.jpg|10501517] but are looking for a more adult, grittier experience, this is probably the book for you!