I was hooked right from the beginning and couldn’t put this book down until the very last word. The characters were delightfully drawn and interwoven to make this fantasy seem all so real.

(Slight spoilers) Of nearly all the books I’ve read, The Golem and the Jinni was the most addictive. A compelling plot made magical by the mythology of Middle Eastern and Jewish folklore, Helen Wecker weaved a fictional story that was impossible to put down. Each character, no matter how minute, was interesting and loveable. The cultures involved were portrayed accurately and even exquisitely. The semi romantic friendship between Chava and Ahmed was a joy to see develop, and reading the ending brought tears to my eyes. I was so depressed when I’d finished it, because I knew it would be hard to find another book I’d enjoyed so much. This is a great book for someone who is just started out reading, or just anyone who has a whole day or 2 to sit down somewhere cozy and get sucked into another world.

This was a very entertaining a d thought provocative book. Told in a way reminiscent of A 1001 Arabian Nights at points, while delving nin lesser known Jewish dark arts. The authors attention to detail is exquisite, if at times a bit winded.The characters are lively, colorful and captivating, and she manages to infuse such realism into her fantastical creatures that the reader cant help but cheer them on and wish fora happy ending to their severely thwarted lives.i hope this ois the first of many more great reads from this very talented writer.

This story could have been written for the world today or hundreds of years ago. The story of the Jinni and the Golem is a story of courage, of being different and overcoming obstacles in everday life. Truly one of my favorite books.

This is amazing writing. I have never read a story quite like it. It brings so much in to question, beliefs, faiths, religions, etc. It takes place during a time when people had to go between Europe and America by ship and women didn't go around unchaperoned. It mostly has a realistic feel with a few big exceptions. The two main characters aren't human. There are also magicians and such. It's pretty low on the low fantasy scale, but at the same time those fantastical elements are what the whole plot is about.

Started a new job a little over a year ago and it was very stressful for me and I wasn't good at it yet. This book was my one of few escapes. Good story, liked all the culture. Highly recommend.

Solid prose and an interesting concept that slows for the middle third of the book to the point where I felt I was just slogging through it. Still recommended though.

I hope Helene writes sequels to this book. Very interesting. A very, very good read!

I was enchanted by the characters and the story! A delightful and engaging read that I couldn't put down.

A reminder of my love for the novel.