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The Golem and the Djinni

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The Golem and the Djinni

By: Helene Wecker
Narrated by: George Guidall
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About this listen

 ‘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

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.

 Epic Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Magic Classics Heartfelt Mind-bending New York Magic Users

Critic reviews

‘By far my favourite book of 2013 … There isn't a wasted word, poorly considered paragraph or a single chapter in this high-concept fairytale that doesn't deliver some new enchantment’ Damien Walter, Guardian

‘The Golem and The Djinni has the detailed realism of historical fiction, the haunting feel of a folk tale, and is one of only two novels I've ever loved whose main characters are not human’ Barbara Kingsolver

‘The author makes you care enough about the humanity of these magical spirits to not only see them through to the end but also to regret that you’ve reached the last page’ New York Times

‘A continuous delight — provocative, atmospheric, and superbly paced’ Boston Globe

‘The Golem and The Djinni are among my favourite fictional people’ Washington Post
All stars
Most relevant
Once in many years does a gem such as the Golem & the Djinni come to light.
It is magical, moody & atmospheric, I did not want it to end, the author is very gifted her story line rare I trust that she writes more novels in the same vain, the book was exceptional.

Extraordinary

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Where does The Golem and the Djinni rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The Golum and Djinni is within my top ten audio books. I on occasion select a book simply by the interesting title. In this case I really struck gold. By allegory this book succeeds in exploring several human conditions through none human characters. I felt that the experience of being an immigrant, an outsider, and a misfit were very well expressed within a story that has many twists and turns that delight the reader because so often they are not entirely expected

Who was your favorite character and why?

The strength of the book really lies with the two central characters the Dijinni and the Golum. The two strongly represent two often opposing cultures in a gentle and all to human way.

Any additional comments?

Generally I do not write reviews many of te books I have read simply do not warrent one. This book while completing the story left me wanting more about the lives of these two creatures and where time and life lead them to.

Suprising listen

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I didn't want it to end. Very exciting well constructed story with a satisfying ending.

Loved this story

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I liked this - the two stories of the djinn and the golem were equally as interesting as the other and there was a good build up to the finale.

Imaginative and clever.

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The story involves the intriguing meeting of 2 folklore creatures, the Djinni and Golem of the title, in New York. The story of how they came to be there and how they meet is cleverly constructed and the intertwining of characters keeps the pace of the developing plot moving along. Although it flags a little in the middle the denouement is both satisfying and consistent.

An evolving story with a satisfactory ending

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