Technically YA with heavy subject matter and adult themes
3.5 stars
(Disclaimer: I received this book during a busy time at work and had every intention of starting it on Oct 7 to finish in time for a publication date review on Oct 10. However, the news of events to which I awoke on Oct 7 left me emotionally distraught, and I wasn't in a place to engage with a book of this nature. While not lengthy, the heavy subject matter likely prolonged my reading process due to the ongoing world events. I acknowledge that this significantly impacts my review and shapes my feelings towards the book.)
Set in WWII-era Lithuania, the novel revolves around a golem, Vera. Ezra, a devout Jewish scholar is grieving the loss of his daughter, Chaya, who was killed while fighting the Nazis. To cope, he creates Vera, in Chaya's likeness, imbuing her with fragments of Chaya's essence and a single purpose: to annihilate the Nazis.
The story navigates Vera's character arc well, showcasing progressive development for her. As a reader, you find yourself drawn to this "girl" made of clay, and wish for self-actualization for her. The premise of the book itself is compelling and distinctive. The passion driving the writing was evident. However, my rating isn't higher because I felt the narrative lacked depth. At times, it felt disjointed, as though following an outline without the necessary details to seamlessly connect one scene to the next. While I was initially drawn to the story's foundation, it regrettably fell short of my expectations.
(Disclaimer: I received this book during a busy time at work and had every intention of starting it on Oct 7 to finish in time for a publication date review on Oct 10. However, the news of events to which I awoke on Oct 7 left me emotionally distraught, and I wasn't in a place to engage with a book of this nature. While not lengthy, the heavy subject matter likely prolonged my reading process due to the ongoing world events. I acknowledge that this significantly impacts my review and shapes my feelings towards the book.)
Set in WWII-era Lithuania, the novel revolves around a golem, Vera. Ezra, a devout Jewish scholar is grieving the loss of his daughter, Chaya, who was killed while fighting the Nazis. To cope, he creates Vera, in Chaya's likeness, imbuing her with fragments of Chaya's essence and a single purpose: to annihilate the Nazis.
The story navigates Vera's character arc well, showcasing progressive development for her. As a reader, you find yourself drawn to this "girl" made of clay, and wish for self-actualization for her. The premise of the book itself is compelling and distinctive. The passion driving the writing was evident. However, my rating isn't higher because I felt the narrative lacked depth. At times, it felt disjointed, as though following an outline without the necessary details to seamlessly connect one scene to the next. While I was initially drawn to the story's foundation, it regrettably fell short of my expectations.