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elianageorgiana 's review for:
The Chosen
by Chaim Potok
I can't give it five stars because there's too much I disagree with inside it, but frankly, The Chosen changed my life. It got me into reading, and served as direct inspiration for the novel I'm writing right now. It also fuelled my rather concerning obsession with Hasidic Judaism, a hyperfixation that still hasn't worn off in the three years since I first read it. Potok's writing flows beautifully, and the topics he discusses cut very near the bone. As an Orthodox Jew myself, the theme of Old Ideas vs the New World has always been a present one in my life - and the way Potok discussed it felt hugely moving and relatable. How do we maintain tradition in an ever-changing world? What does it mean to be part of ancient religion in the age of modernity? And how do we, as people, react to tragedy? I could think of nothing but Danny and his poor Father for weeks afterwards; and for some time, I was utterly obsessed with The Chosen.
But while I realise it did wonders for the depiction of Hasidic Jews, the characterisation is a little lacking. Danny's conflict is rife with contradictions, and well, I find Rueven flat-out detestable. He serves as a mouthpiece for Chaim Potok's already obvious prejudices against Hasidim; and if I'm honest, Potok's inability to drop his sneering outsider's perspective cheapens the novel for me. Look, I'm a fierce critic of fundamentalism, but Ultra-Orthodox Jews are so deeply and innately insular that they cannot be judged from a secular lens. It's like judging medieval figures with a 21st century conscience - which wouldn't be fair. I get that this is a story of two worlds interweaving; so obviously, there's going to be judgement, but I find that all character development takes place on Danny's side. Rueven only changes when Danny becomes a meek, watered-down variation of himself; and never gets a chance to see Hasidic culture for what it truly is.
But while I realise it did wonders for the depiction of Hasidic Jews, the characterisation is a little lacking. Danny's conflict is rife with contradictions, and well, I find Rueven flat-out detestable. He serves as a mouthpiece for Chaim Potok's already obvious prejudices against Hasidim; and if I'm honest, Potok's inability to drop his sneering outsider's perspective cheapens the novel for me. Look, I'm a fierce critic of fundamentalism, but Ultra-Orthodox Jews are so deeply and innately insular that they cannot be judged from a secular lens. It's like judging medieval figures with a 21st century conscience - which wouldn't be fair. I get that this is a story of two worlds interweaving; so obviously, there's going to be judgement, but I find that all character development takes place on Danny's side. Rueven only changes when Danny becomes a meek, watered-down variation of himself; and never gets a chance to see Hasidic culture for what it truly is.