Customer Reviews

The Chosen, with Connections

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"The Chosen" by Chaim Potok delivers the finest form of literature. This novel, set near the ending of World War II in Brooklyn, New York, combines realistic and historical events. First, interactions between the characters formulate a pragmatic environment. One example involves a tragic, fateful incident which ironically makes two teenage rivals named Reuven Malter and Danny Saunders become friends. Another case includes a friend helping another through arduous dilemmas, like whether to pursue a destined career. Two conflicting fathers regarding religious beliefs, ways of raising their children and dramatic situations add more realism to the remarkable novel.
Also, historical actions provoke insight toward the people living in that time period. One of the greatest strengths of the book involves the somber reactions of the people regarding President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's death. Religious debates between Jewish sects over the development of a holy state, the radio broadcasts of the progress of World War II, and the aftermath of the Holocaust are among the other topics covered.
Although the first chapter drags with many descriptions about the two competing teams and mostly the same dialogue retold, like Davey Cantor constantly referring to Danny's team as "murderers," the rest of the chapters redeem the novel. The second chapter commences the novel's comeback by introducing a great minor character; the comical yet unlucky boxer named Tony Savo, who acts like a mellow version of MacMurphy from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." The novel "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok provides a variety of issues regarding the irony of relationships and memorable occasions that charm the reader.

I bought this to replace my shattering paperback copy. I'm sure there's nothing more to say about the plot or the author or the characters - it's on my "read every year" list.