A tale of magical immigrants

 

A captivating, complex tale spun from the classic stories of Jewish Kabbala mysticism and Arabian mythology.

Two immigrants struggle to make a life for themselves in turn of the century New York City.  A classic tale, but with the twist that one immigrant is a Jinni from Syria and the other a Golem from Central Europe.

The Golem has been created from clay by a Kabbalist/sorcerer to be the perfect wife to a lonely man.  Unfortunately, enroute to America, her husband dies shortly after awakening her.  The newborn Golem is left alone and masterless in a strange new world amongst people she does not understand.   Despite this,  she perseveres, manages to make her way to New York (walking on the bottom of the East River!)  and manages to finds a life in the thriving Jewish community of Manhattan.

The Jinni had been trapped in an oil flask for many years by an evil wizard. He is finally inadvertently freed when a metalsmith repairs the flask and breaks the magical seals. He winds up working for the metalsmith since, as a creature of fire, he has a natural talent for manipulating and shaping metals.

The Golem and the Jinni make their ways through their respective immigrant communities (Syrian and Jewish) in New York and eventually  (as one would expect) meet up and become aware of each others unique natures. Their experiences and that of the immigrants around them make up an good tale.  Their fantastical natures add to the story, and much of the tale does hang on their magical origins, but the story is interesting because of the depth of the tale,  the atmospheric background, the ensemble of characters and the plot.  And of course there is a mystery and backstory that ends up tying many things together….but no spoilers here.

Wonderful book.  Check it out