This tale is set in a small European town. It is so small it doesn’t concern itself with the affairs of the outside world and the outside world is not concerned with it. This Jewish settlement is led by its Rabbi, and while he is integral to the tale, the story is about and told through the eyes of a young girl named Kisci. I call it a tale because the story is interwoven with folklore and myth. Jewish mysticism is held in juxtaposition to the Nazi threat of World War II. It is similar to Catherynne Valente’s ‘Deathless’ in this sense, but is centered on a Jewish village rather than Russian folklore in Leningrad. If you enjoyed ‘Deathless,’ in concept not style, I believe you will enjoy this book as well.
When Kisci is young a stranger visits Kisci’s town. He tells the people to call him Voros. With his coming he sets in motion great change for the townspeople. He is a magician, and in return for the kindness of Kisci’s father giving him shelter, he lifts a curse the Rabbi set on her father. The Rabbi set a curse on any parent who chose to continue sending their children to the school after they started teaching Hebrew. This kindness, while wonderful, pits the Rabbi against him to the detriment of everyone. Voros has a vision of a man with no teeth bringing death to the town’s people. When he warns them of the threat the Rabbi dismisses Voros and throws him out-of-town. Kisci is heartbroken. He does visit her in the future, however, and each time he tries to warn the village of the danger only to be dismissed and ignored . Unfortunately, evil does come and how Voros, Kisci and the Rabbi adapt is the heart of this book.
Goldstein’s writing style has the feeling of reading a folktale. I enjoyed ‘The Red Magician.’ I gained an attachment to Kisci, Voros, and in the end even the Rabbi. Her characters are what drives her story. There is very little action in the beginning, however, it significantly picks up towards the end of the book. I did not want to put it down. My heart broke for Kisci. Goldstein is able to evoke emotion outside of just anger and love. She was able to evoke and maintain a feeling of detachment that is not so easily understood or expressed. She handled difficult subject matter with care from a believable and respectful manner.
The magical realism is handled well if not in such a lavish style as Valente. It feels appropriately understated even though she adds magicians and golem. The magic contrasts with the harsh real violence in the tale. I encourage anyone who enjoys magical realism, Jewish folklore, or World War II fiction to pick this up.
If you enjoyed this you might enjoy:
The Golem and the Jinni – Helene Wecker
Deathless – Catherynne Valente
January 14th, 2015 at 1:57 am
This sounds great! I’m going to try to find it!
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January 14th, 2015 at 10:44 am
I think you will enjoy it. I will keep my eye out for your upcoming review:)
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January 14th, 2015 at 8:48 am
Sounds terrific! I hadn’t heard of this one at all, but I’d like to read it. I have another book by this author that I picked up years ago (Uncertain Places). I still haven’t read it, but I’ve heard such good things.
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January 14th, 2015 at 10:46 am
I haven’t read anything else by her. I enjoyed this one quite a bit. It took me longer than I expected to get into it but once I did I did not want to put it down. I heard she’s written a few other books and is highly thought of. If you get around to reading Uncertain Places you’ll have to let me know what you think…or I could just keep an eye on your blog:) I’m sure you will review it.
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January 20th, 2015 at 9:35 am
I love books with myth and history to them. This sounds interesting even if it isn’t as magical as I usually like my books. I like your recommendations. I’ve been curious about the Golem and the Jinni.
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January 20th, 2015 at 9:38 am
I think you would like The Red Magician – just be prepared that the beginning takes some getting into. Definitely read The Golem and the Jinni! It is fantastic! I can’t remember if you like audio books but if you do this narration of The Golem and the Jinni was one of the best I’ve ever listened too.
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February 12th, 2015 at 12:29 pm
[…] saw this book reviewed on the wonderful bookishswint blog and just had to read it! I was delighted to find it on netgalley, and was entranced as soon as I […]
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