The Golem and the Djinni by Helene Wecker

 

A Review

 

Imagine if the creatures of myth and fairy tale were real and living among us?  One a Djinni, a being of fire, who has no idea of the consequences of his own actions; the other a Golem, a creature of clay, who adrift without a master struggles to deal with the thoughts and desires of those around her.  Each must hide their true nature as they try to survive amongst humans living in New York in 1899.  Add to this the underlying threat of a disgraced rabbi and you have a story full of intrigue.

This is Helen Wecker’s first novel and I must say I thought it was excellent.  Very well written, the story is expertly woven to bring together a tale that has spanned a thousand years.  Not once did I lose my place within the novel or become confused even though it is full of many, very different characters, all bound together within this tale.  The setting gives us a sense of life in New York in 1899 but subtle enough not to feel too heavy with historical detail; it is the story itself which sweeps you along. 

I very much enjoyed this fascinating, rich novel.   The Golem and the Djinni is a story to read slowly.  Immerse yourself in Helen Wecker’s wonderful tale, this is one to be kept and re read again and again.

 

 

The Golem and the Djinni is published on 15th August 2013 and you can buy it from http://www.lovereading.co.uk/book/8854/The-Golem-and-the-Djinni-by-Helene-Wecker.html