Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Golem and the Jinni
Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
In The Golem and the Jinni, a chance meeting between mythical beings takes readers on a dazzling journey through cultures in turn-of-the-century New York.Chava is a golem, a creature made of clay, brought to life to by a disgraced rabbi who dabbles in dark Kabbalistic magic and dies at sea on the voyage from Poland. Chava is unmoored and adrift as the ship arrives in New York harbor in 1899.Ahmad is a jinni, a being of fire born in the ancient Syrian desert, trapped in an old copper flask, and released in New York City, though still not entirely freeAhmad and Chava become unlikely friends and soul mates with a mystical connection. Marvelous and compulsively readable, Helene Wecker's debut novel The Golem and the Jinni weaves strands of Yiddish and Middle Eastern literature, historical fiction and magical fable, into a wondrously inventive and unforgettable tale."
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
blurb
thelorelei
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

I‘m a sucker for a special edition cover and this Christmas gift from my sister is going a long way towards curing the sour feeling I‘ve had from muscling through two different books that I ultimately did not enjoy for various reasons. The setting is richly developed and the characterizations are deep. So far so good! #oliveedition

1 like1 stack add
review
Cazxxx
The Golem and the Djinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

Loved every minute of this
4 ⭐️

Karisimo Yes! I feel that more people should know about this! The sequel is just as good imo! (edited) 1y
Cazxxx @Karisimo It was brilliant! The sequel is on my wish list, I‘m hoping the library get it or it‘s on a kindle daily deal as I‘m so excited to read it 😁 1y
53 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
Walaka
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
Pickpick

A masterless golem who can pass for a human woman (albeit a tall one) and a jinni freed from captivity but bound to human form find themselves in 1899 New York City and cross paths with a Syrian tinsmith, a Jewish social worker, a rich ingenue, a wise rabbi, a cursed ice cream vendor, and a mad wizard. The story is one of exploring desire, regret, identity and love, all while providing enough suspense, danger, and mystery to make it a page-turner.

blurb
majkia
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker

I know everyone makes a fuss about this book but I found it a chore to read. I wanted to DNF it many times but persisted. The last 100 or so pages were at least more exciting than the first 400.

Interesting ideas, and nicely written, but man it just drug on.

blurb
jen_the_scribe
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

1* Escaping reality and gaining knowledge.

2* I‘m most looking forward to reading Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree, after seeing it everywhere I finally ordered myself a copy. Also Ai Weiwei‘s memoir: “1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows.”

3* She‘s not really a new author, although new to me. I recently read the tagged book and loved it. Already have the second book in the series in my wishlist.

Play along if you want! #WondrousWednesday
@Eggs

Eggs Thanks for playing 🧁 2y
13 likes1 comment
review
jen_the_scribe
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

I loved the characters, all of their complexities and their dynamic. At the heart, this book is about what it means to be human, even for a golem and a jinni. I also enjoyed reading about how she became inspired by her own love story: she‘s Jewish and her husband is Arab American. Then add the history of the settings along with the magic of fantastical creatures and creepy wizards, and you‘ve got an enchanting tale worth exploring.

20 likes1 stack add
blurb
jen_the_scribe
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

A tiny moment to myself before I have to deal with helping my little man with homework and making dinner… I‘m really craving a day to do nothing but read. I want to immerse myself in these stories, not simply settling for little snippets of time. Don‘t get me wrong, I love my life and I‘m grateful for any time to read, but it‘s nice to get completely lost in these worlds from time to time.

blurb
jen_the_scribe
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

I started this one a few days ago and I‘m absolutely entranced by it. I find the characters super interesting. I‘m always a little sad when I have to put it down, cause I‘m an adult and adulting sucks lol.

25 likes1 stack add
blurb
jen_the_scribe
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

My book haul today. I really shouldn‘t have bought more books, but after an extremely stressful, overwhelming few weeks I think I deserved a treat (well more like 3.25 treats). I brought my mother-in-law and my mother to the mall. I‘m not a fan of shopping so I specifically went to the mall with a B&N cause that‘s the only shopping I want to do lol.

ImperfectCJ Nice haul! I really enjoyed The Golem and the Djinni. 2y
jen_the_scribe @ImperfectCJ Thanks! That‘s good to know! I looked up reviews on it before I bought it and it seems good 😊 2y
ImperfectCJ @jen_the_scribe It's one I've gifted (to a West Coast transplant who was missing NYC. The novel portrays the city beautifully). There's a sequel/follow-up, too, but I've not read it (yet) 2y
See All 6 Comments
jen_the_scribe @ImperfectCJ Yes, I saw the sequel first on the shelf. I‘ll probably grab it if I like this one. 2y
5feet.of.fury Love that deBeauvoir cover 😍 2y
jen_the_scribe @5feet.of.fury Me too! 2y
22 likes6 comments
blurb
aa_guer2021
The Golem and the Djinni | Helene Wecker
post image

Quick stop at Barnes & Noble with my love. Found this and was intrigued by the premise. Let‘s see how it goes. 🤔❤️ Also, couldn‘t resist the minimalist edition. #newin #fiction

jlhammar Cool edition! I hadn't seen that one yet. This is in my to-read stacks. 2y
24 likes1 comment
blurb
Karisimo
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

A Gentleman in Moscow is an all time fav and would be a solid choice for #letterg, but I also love The Golem and the Jinni! It is the perfect blend of magical realism in a historical setting.

#AlphabetGame
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for playing! 2y
9 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
bookandbedandtea
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

This was beautifully written and is second to my favorite G book: A Gentleman In Moscow.
Honorable mention: Gods Of Jade And Shadows
#Alphabetgame @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for playing! 2y
26 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
KCofKaysville
Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

Long but enjoyable story of two fantastic creatures getting together in 1899 NYC.
Has clever plotting and interesting characters. I enjoyed it. Helene Wecker has a sequel that just came out.

blurb
KCofKaysville
Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

I'm starting this one I've had my eye on for a while. Found a copy at a Free Little Library which are plentiful in my area.

Cheshirecat913 I adored it, hope you like it too! 2y
KCofKaysville @Cheshirecat913 Thanks! Seems good at the start. 2y
Fr3NcHtOaSt This book was really good. I loved it. 2y
KCofKaysville I'm going slow on this but I like it (about a third of the way in). 2y
32 likes1 stack add5 comments
review
Clare-Dragonfly
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

What a marvelous book! Complex and dark and deep. In New York in 1899, a golem and a jinni find themselves—and each other—among their immigrant communities. I loved all of the characters, and how all of the many threads came together. The ending is sad, but in a satisfying way.

shanaqui I've been meaning to read this for waaaaaay too long... 2y
Clare-Dragonfly @shanaqui Put it on your #bookspin list! 😁 2y
22 likes2 comments
review
SaraHasClass
The Golem and the Djinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Mehso-so

Two creatures meet in NY at the turn of the century & learn about their current nature as well as their past. This book had a classic feel to me & an intriguing storyline. The story deep dives into the characters that was at times, boring & tedious for me. I did eventually like how each of them evolved and connected in the end. Throughout, I couldn't shake sadness all through this book either; it is a tragic story.

blurb
Vanessa
Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

Sunday morning.

12 likes1 stack add
blurb
PezFilledCookies
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

🎧 March Audiobooks! 🎧
* The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
* The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs
* Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
* Well Met by Jen DeLuca
* The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood
📚
#CurrentlyReading #Audiobook #Bookstagram #Reading #Books #LibraryLove

review
Jolynne
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

Quite enjoyable.

12 likes1 stack add
blurb
HeathHof
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

This one took the cake for favorite of April 2021
#12booksof2021
@Andrew65

Andrew65 A popular book. 3y
52 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
Fr3NcHtOaSt
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

Really enjoying this book more than I thought I would. The style and pacing is just perfect. Loving how the lore/backstories of the golem and jinni are integrated and the way she makes the time period feel modern.

#TheGolemandtheJinni #HeleneWecker #book #historicalfiction #fantasy

Itchyfeetreader This was a book I loved 3y
Fr3NcHtOaSt @Itchyfeetreader it is great. Finding that I‘m loving it more than I thought I would. It‘s historical fiction but feels modern 3y
14 likes2 comments
review
paisleyjess
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
Pickpick

Loved this magical realism!

blurb
SilverShanica
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

I am posting one book per day from my to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new - don‘t judge me I have a lot of books.
Join the fun if you want. This is day 295.
#bookstoread
#tbrpile
#bookstagram

7 likes1 stack add
review
SanjanaGhosh
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

Here goes the 70th book for the year ❤️

Reagan Omg so good! 3y
27 likes1 comment
blurb
Lola
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

My first book recorded in my new reading journal, Anne Bogel‘s My Reading Life. I bought this as a Kindle Daily Deal in 2014 after hearing so much good buzz about it and finally read it when my book club chose it as a bonus pick. Lucky me, the sequel just came out in June. Unlike those who read and loved this when it first came out, I didn‘t have to wait 8 long years. So happy to be able to stay in this world a bit longer.

Cinfhen Just thinking about you and wanted to say hi!! Hope all is well xx 3y
Lola @Cinfhen it‘s been a crazy 2021 but doing ok. Thanks for checking xo 3y
29 likes2 comments
blurb
SconsinBookyBadger
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

What a joy to see a #20in4 readathon falling on my FiYAY and weekend off! I want to read Wecker‘s The Hidden Palace, but first getting reacquainted with old books friends Chava and Ahmad.

P.S. I‘m catching up on a month worth of the litsy feed. @Andrew65 I hope you and your wife are improving with your health situation. Sending good thoughts to you both.

Andrew65 Thanks for the best wishes, pleased to say finally turned the corner (Day 20 for me, Day 17 for my wife) but very weak and go backwards some days (like today - been exhausted all day again). 3y
33 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
CaitlinR
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

Two magical creatures find themselves adrift in New York in 1899. The Golem, created to be a bride, is incapable of independent life, and capable of great violence. The Jinni was enslaved by a wizard. Mistakenly awoken from his vessel imposed slumber, his nature makes it impossible for him to know the detrimental effects of his actions on those around him. They meet, and secrets are revealed. A remarkable morality tale; very well written.

23 likes1 stack add
review
hissingpotatoes
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

This is a reread for me. I'm bumping my original 4.5 star rating up to 5 stars. The characters, relationships, and early 1900s NYC setting are just so good, as is the audiobook narrator.

review
Schlinkles
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
Pickpick

I basically loved everything about this book. It was everything I wanted it to be.

review
Mariettapeashoot
Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
Pickpick

I loved this book—themes of inherent nature vs free will and insiders vs foreigners, all with a good dose of magic and history. Hard to describe and so very creative—I got totally swept away by this book!

Cheshirecat913 Yes! I really enjoyed this book! 3y
5 likes1 comment
blurb
Branwen
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

Loving on books, like her big brother Chaplin! 😻💕📚 #catsoflitsy #littenkitten #rumpel

ShelleyBooksie ♡♡♡ 3y
Leftcoastzen Hope everyone is getting along !😻 3y
wanderinglynn That face! ❤️❤️❤️🐱 3y
See All 6 Comments
BethM Soooo cute! 3y
RaeLovesToRead Oh those eyes!!!!! ❤❤❤ 3y
Branwen @ShelleyBooksie @wanderinglynn @BethM @RaeLovesToRead 😍😻💕 @Leftcoastzen So far, so good! 🤞 Although they are still kept separate most of the time for now! 3y
62 likes6 comments
review
bookseller_cate
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

All through this second reading I was in awe of Wecker‘s skillful descriptions. By the time I finished, I was of the mind that a lavishly illustrated edition with contributions from artists of varied styles would be a thing of beauty. So many moments in this story cry out for visual interpretation.

I was lucky enough to be able to snag an ARC of the sequel though my old bookselling contacts. Excited to see what‘s next for Chava and Ahmad.

Cheshirecat913 I really enjoyed this book too! The setting was a character of its own. I would love to see an illustration of the ceiling Jinni made, the street stores, and the park statue. 3y
bookseller_cate @Cheshirecat913 Excellent ideas. Without leaving spoilers, I‘d love illustrations of the Golem running and the Jinni leaping to the balcony.😊📚💚 3y
40 likes2 comments
review
Cheshirecat913
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

This is my kind of book.
New York City at the turn of the century, mythological beings finding their way in a world that doesn't recognize them, and back stories converging together. It is one of those slower pace books that create a good atmosphere by letting the settings and the characters build the whole around them a step or a thought at a time.

AllisonM89 I adored this book. Looking forward to the sequel coming out next month 4y
26 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
peaKnit
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

I enjoyed this book as much now as I did in 2013, maybe more. I wanted to reread to prep for the long awaited follow up Hidden Palaces coming out June 8. This is an unlikely story of friendship and magic. The setting is 1899 in New York, so also intriguing to imagine the communities of immigrants and the city as it would have been at the turn of the 20th century.

emz711 Just signed up for goodreads giveaway for the next one 4y
SamAnne Finally! It‘s coming out. 4y
30 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
HeathHof
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

Absolutely loved this one! The author took us through time and space as this beautiful and intriguing story took place. Thankfully the sequel will be out in June. Can't wait! 🧙‍♀️🗽🏜🧞‍♂️

Addison_Reads Love this book! 💚 I've been waiting on the second book for years. I can't wait to read it. 😀 4y
HeathHof @Addison_Reads I feel bad for you having to wait years! I don't even want to wait until June🤣 I'm preordering it today🤩 4y
60 likes2 comments
blurb
Cheshirecat913
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

I have been really enjoying my current book. I like the mix of the historical setting (NYC at the turn of the century) with mythological beings.

SamAnne This wasn‘t my go to kind of book—bought it on a whim at the recommendation of a book seller. I really enjoyed it! 4y
24 likes1 comment
blurb
HeathHof
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

Looking forward to finally reading this and hopefully getting entirely lost in the story! 🧞‍♂️

Leniverse One of the many books waiting on my Kindle. Hopefully I'll not forget about it entirely. Out of sight out of mind... And I'm easily distracted by the first book I see. 🤪 4y
Reagan One of my faves! So excited for the sequel! 4y
HeathHof @Reagan This was so good! Definitely looking forward to the sequel. 😬 4y
59 likes3 comments
blurb
bookseller_cate
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

My #bookreport and #weeklyforecast. I'm wondering how much time I'll have for pleasure reading this coming week. So many projects and presentations due.

@Cinfhen

Cinfhen I hope you get to the tagged book....I loved it!!! 4y
rockpools Good luck! 4y
bookseller_cate @Cinfhen 📚💚 It‘s a reread for me — just as good the second time. Did you know a sequel is coming out in June? 😁 4y
Cinfhen I‘ve been waiting!!!!! 4y
28 likes5 comments
blurb
DinoMom
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

Thank you @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego I love my #cupidswap. I look forward to reading this book. My son has already claimed a package of the jellybeans! Thanks @candority for organizing this swap. Happy Valentine‘s Day everyone.

cozypunk I loved this book! Been meaning to reread it. Enjoy. 4y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Happy Valentine's Day ❣❣❣❣ 4y
candority That card is great! 🦈 Happy Valentine‘s Day! 💖 4y
36 likes3 comments
blurb
EliNeedsMoreShelves
The Golem and the Djinni | Helene Wecker
post image

Well, of course I'm late posting this, but I had my best month ever for #bookspin in January, so I'm super excited to get started for February!

@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Let me know if you can't find the numbers!!! 4y
20 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Shemac77
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Panpan

Not a popular opinion, but I‘m glad I‘m done. I was bored. Senseless.

blurb
Shemac77
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

Thanks for the tag @Eggs ! I haven‘t been on Litsy as much as I would like lately or participating then I saw this and decided I would.
1) Being a frontline worker and navigating Covid
2) Grateful for everyone being diligent and taking the necessary precautions for the health and safety of everyone.

kspenmoll Glad to see you! Be safe. 4y
32 likes2 comments
review
LisaLovesToRead
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

This was a great book! I enjoyed the elements of fantasy & magic. It was also neat how although set 100+ years ago, many of the topics on religion & race are relevant in modern time.

Reagan I‘m obsessed with this book! Sequel out this year! 4y
LisaLovesToRead I agree! It was really great. I just saw today that the sequel comes out this summer — I can‘t wait either 😊 4y
5 likes2 comments
review
AllisonM89
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

Such a fabulous story. So glad to be closing out the year with this book.

#bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks
Square25 ✔️

Reagan The sequel is put in 2021 too! Finally! 🍾 🕺 4y
TheAromaofBooks And that cover is gorgeous!! 4y
19 likes2 comments
blurb
Shemac77
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

Morning reading between calls

37 likes1 stack add
blurb
AllisonM89
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

Really loving this book so far. A great way to close out 2020

Itchyfeetreader Loved this one excited the sequel is coming next year 4y
AllisonM89 @Itchyfeetreader warn me now- Does this book wrap up at all tidily? Or am i in for a cliff hanger? Lol 4y
Itchyfeetreader Bit of both!! 4y
19 likes1 stack add3 comments
review
ImperfectCJ
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image
Pickpick

I love how this book is constructed, how Wecker holds all the cards in her hand and deals each one out with just the right timing. The setting---New York City at the turn of the 20th century---is beautifully rendered and easy to see. Some of the twists border on too twisty for me, but the events all make sense with the characters and the story. Another great title from the Level 12 Build Your Library curriculum.

Mitch I totally agree - I thought he setting was so beautifully created 4y
cozypunk I've gotta reread this in 2021. 4y
Deblovestoread This has been on my kindle forever. I really need to bump it up. 4y
46 likes4 comments
blurb
Lillie
The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker
post image

Sunday morning shelf image

My favorites of the last few years in no particular order