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The Golem and the Djinni

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( 130,049 ratings, 16,152 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Golem and the Djinni by Helene Wecker is a historical fantasy novel set in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It follows the intertwined lives of two mystical beings, a golem and a djinni, each struggling to find their place amongst humans while grappling with their own identities. Their unexpected friendship leads them on an adventure that explores themes of freedom, belonging, and the immigrant experience.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are drawn to captivating tales that blend folklore with history, transporting readers to the vibrant world of early 20th century New York. It's perfect for those who appreciate richly woven narratives filled with mythical creatures and a touch of magic, all set against a beautifully depicted historical backdrop.

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The Golem and the Djinni

‘One of only two novels I've ever loved whose main characters are not human’ BARBARA KINGSOLVER

For fans of The Essex Serpent and The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock.

‘By far my favourite book of of the year’ Guardian

The spell-binding literary debut for fans of The Essex Serpent

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

‘One of only two novels I've ever loved whose main characters are not human’ — BARBARA KINGSOLVER

For fans of The Essex Serpent and The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock.

‘By far my favourite book of the year’ — Guardian

One cold night, two newcomers emerge onto the streets of 1899 New York, and it is never the same again.

But these two are more than strangers to this land, they are strangers to this world. From the depths of folkloric history come Chava, the golem, a creature made of clay, brought to life by a disgraced rabbi, and Ahmad, a djinni, born in the ancient Syrian desert and trapped in an old copper flask, released accidentally by a tinsmith in a Lower Manhattan shop.

Two companions who were never meant to be released, and never meant to meet. And when they do, their opposing natures will be sealed by a special bond, but one that is threatened by watching eyes, roaming owners, and a misunderstanding world.

A glittering gem of a novel, as spell-binding as it is compelling, The Golem and the Djinni asks us what we’re made of and how we can break free.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Golem and the Djinni by Helene Wecker is praised for its enchanting and high-concept storytelling, seamlessly blending historical realism with a haunting, folk tale atmosphere. The characters, despite being non-human, evoke deep empathy and admiration, leading readers to cherish their journey and regret reaching the story's end. The novel is described as a continuous delight, lauded for its provocative atmosphere and superb pacing.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780007480197

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 January 2014

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: The Borough Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 41.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 460g

Pages: 656

About the Author

Helene Wecker grew up near Chicago, and received her MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University in New York. Her work has been published in the online magazine Joyland, and she has read from her stories at the KGB Bar in New York and the Barbershop Reading Series in San Francisco. After a dozen years of moving around between both coasts and the Midwest, she now lives near San Francisco with her husband and daughter. The Golem and the Djinni is her first novel.

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