Customer Reviews

The Sword of Goliath

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I really enjoyed this book--it's a funny, charming, creepy little story of ancient Jewish mysticism in a modern world--if you like golem or dybbuk stories, or "what-if" stories about ancient texts and lost secrets, you'll have a great time with this. Reminded me of a Jewish Terry Pratchett.

I was kept awake by this book, not wanting to close it before the next twist in the story. It is intelligent and challenging for most readers. You must suspend belief in the logical, concrete facts of everyday life and allow yourself to be carried deep into the world of Jewish mysticism,as it might exist in our cynical,modern world. Prague and New York come alive and the characters are as real as the guy down at the newstand or your friend's mother.Non-Jewish readers may have to do a little research, or ask a few questions of a Jewish friend in order to fully appreciate the humour and the full ramifications of the plot. If you liked "Snow in August", you will really like this. It is better-written and goes deeper into the wonders of Jewish mysticism.