This book has been favorably reviewed by many, including Cannonballer Jen K, so I bought it on my recent trip to Bangkok, where they have an expansive Kinokuniya. I was intrigued by the idea of a golem — have always been intrigued by them since it was first mentioned in Michael Chabon’s Kavalier and Clay as a character in a graphic novel by the protagonist Josef Kavalier — but this was the first time I’ve thought of them as a Jewish equivalent to a djinni, which we so commonly see spelled as genie.
To read the rest of my review, click here.
Your reviews are always so well written and thoughtful! I definitely think you are right that there could have been more interaction between the communities. Simply using Jewish and Arabian mythological creatures certainly raises certain expectations, and she could have showed more about the communities. I wish you had enjoyed it as much as I did, but I’m glad that you at least got something out of it.
What did you think of Bangkok? I thought it was a neat city but overwhelming – I preferred my time in Changmai and then Phuket.
Ah, I really appreciate Bangkok, especially since I live in Phnom Penh. They have fantastic street food and awesome movie theaters. Both things that Phnom Penh is not as good at. We have movie theaters now, but limited choices, and you gotta be wary about street food here as it could leave you with a parasite if you are not careful how you choose.) I have friends who live there too, so it makes it a lot more fun to visit! I enjoy Chiang mai as well (never been to Phuket) but I haven’t spent too much time there.