Existential, Serious Search

Half a century ago, like numerous boys, I relished Chaim Potok's The Chosen. Consequently, I categorized him in my mind as a middlebrow storyteller of Orthodox life in Brooklyn. The Book of Lights seemed to be a delightful account of two friends, Hanukkah, and the celebration of lit feasts. I wagered that many buyers anticipated such.

However, it is actually a sparely narrated, austere, and unwavering exploration of grappling with Promethean guilt. We, part-reptilian creatures, as Arthur Leiden quotes, with the atomic bomb incinerating two cities in Japan due to our mastery of physics. This haunts him, as his parents had a direct role. His rabbinical classmate, Gershon, contends with both his colleague's despair and his own entanglements with apparitions of two of his seminary teachers, a Talmudist and a secular Kabbalist scholar, along with a voice beckoning him into the depths hinted at in the Zohar, which obsesses Gershon. He is a wandering soul, bereft. The two form an uneasy partnership throughout.

The narrative is unsentimental, the insights eerie rather than comforting, and the characters, including the two main protagonists, remain flawed. They are neither model chaplains in Korea nor earnest adepts into "the mysteries of the Orient" in the mid-1950s. As representatives of the victors, they embody authority figures uncomfortable with their assignment, which was thrust upon them before they could graduate. Their Asian foes view them not as saviors but as suspects, easy targets, or smug know-it-alls.

Potok tackles the hasty and callow imperialism of postwar American military occupation and scientific power, as well as the uneasiness of a liberal Jewish attitude towards its institutional complicity. Placing this crisis of conscience after WWII, with both Jewish clergymen feeling as if the weapon was dropped on the wrong enemy, adds a disquieting aura to this storyline where the forces of light and its absence contend within both Arthur and Gershon, disturbing sleep and triggering nightmares.

The outcome results in a curious blend of terse observations, convincing physical and spiritual discomforts, and an immersion into the malaise of coming to terms with unanswerable doubts about the perpetuity of a people too preoccupied with pushcart messiahs and tobacco-stained sages, in Gershon's words. It is not light reading despite its direct prose. Instead, it compels you to face difficult choices. The novel deliberately remains laconic, capturing a mid-20th-century, stoic, masculine mindset.

P.S. Although Potok lived for a couple of decades or more after this was published, it apparently did not have a sequel. It does, however, leave a story open for one.

Have you ever been deeply engrossed in reading an author whom you highly respect? You're quite certain that you've already delved into his finest works. And then, out of the blue, he completely astonishes you? Well, that was precisely my wonderful experience with this novel.

I have read both "Asher Lev" books, "The Chosen", and "The Promise". When it comes to Potok, I was fairly confident that his greatest achievements were already in the past. I also had the sense that I knew what to anticipate from his novels. However, "Book of Lights" revealed a completely different facet of this literary maestro. In this novel, Potok delves into the mystical aspect of Judaism, a topic that I found captivating even before commencing this read.

"Book of Lights" is not only engaging and fascinating but also a delightful departure from anything else I have read by this author. It offers a fresh perspective and takes the reader on a journey that is both unexpected and rewarding. It makes me realize that there is always more to discover and explore within the works of a great author like Potok.

This is my fourth Chaim Potok book. He is perhaps my favorite writer after Mark Twain. However, I had some reservations about this particular book. I initially thought it would be a dated work filled with the angst and political causes of the 1960s. But to my surprise, it was not that at all. The theme of the Bomb was prominent, but not in the way I had imagined. From the very first page, I was hooked. The book features a Jewish seminary, kaballah scholars, Albert Einstein, and the Korean War. What more could one ask for in a book?

My only complaint, and I must mention this as it frustrated me throughout my reading, is that for no apparent reason, the author made the main character, a rabbinical student dating the daughter of the chief rabbi of New York, sexually active with that girl. This was rather strange. It was not overly graphic, but it didn't even seem like the author considered it a sin. It was almost as if he was saying, "Yeah, everyone was sleeping around in the 1950s, even the rabbis." While it made sense to describe the temptations faced in Korea and Japan where prostitutes were prevalent, having short passages about these nerdy kids having sex was completely unnecessary. It made me wonder if Chaim Potok might have been a pervert like so many men of that generation. This was disappointing. Perhaps there was some deeper meaning that I missed.

But even worse was that the main character was described as kind of gross at the beginning of the book. And by the end, every Asian and Muslim woman was throwing herself at this dorky rabbi. It was as if Chaim Potok was living out his fantasy of how he wished people would see him through this character. The same goes for all the Stars and Stipes articles about the character. It felt like overkill and maybe like someone was fantasizing while writing.

However, I must say that even if you were to remove all of that, the book would not suffer one bit.

Ah Potok, it is truly so beautiful. It is amazing to see how he manages to capture the feeling and the whole essence of such a specific time in history. He really has the ability to conjure it up for you with his words. It is a lovely piece of work, perfectly Potok. His writing transports you to that era, making you feel as if you are right there, experiencing it all. The details he provides, the emotions he evokes, it all combines to create a vivid and engaging picture. Potok's talent for bringing history to life through his words is truly remarkable. You can't help but be drawn in and completely immersed in his descriptions. It is a joy to read his work and discover the hidden treasures of the past that he uncovers with his pen.

Chaim Potok's work, which was initially expected to be a bracer, disappoints.

However, it does contain a brilliant and poignant story that is well worth reading.

The disappointment might stem from the fact that it didn't meet the extremely high expectations set for it.

But despite this, the story itself has its own charm and depth.

It presents a narrative that can touch the hearts of the readers and make them think.

The characters are well-developed, and the plot unfolds in a way that keeps the readers engaged.

Although it may not be the perfect bracer that was hoped for, it still has enough value to be considered a worthy read.

One can't help but be drawn into the world that Potok has created and experience the emotions and ideas that are presented within the story.

So, while it may disappoint in some aspects, it still has the power to captivate and move the readers.

Chaim Potok may very well pen the finest books that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

He possesses an extraordinary ability to construct a vivid and detailed world, while simultaneously delving deep into the recesses of the human heart.

The characters he creates seem to leap off the page, full of life and vitality. Their thoughts are not only profound but also constantly evolving, moving, changing, and growing.

They have hearts that are both capacious and empathetic, yet they are also acutely aware of their own shortcomings.

Religion and politics serve as the firm bedrocks upon which their lives are built, yet these do not impede their personal and emotional development.

One cannot help but come away with the sense that any other characters or institutions that interact with his creations are enriched and improved as a result.

I am continuously astounded by the brilliance of Potok's writings and eagerly anticipate revisiting all of his works numerous times in the years to come.

This is my fourth Potok, and indeed, he remains a favorite. This book did not disappoint. However, unlike the other novels I have read, I probably will not read it again. If possible, I would actually give it 3.5 stars.

This book focuses on war. But, again, unlike the other books I have read and reported on here, it does not combine it with religion in a paradoxical way as the Lev books did with art and Davita's Harp did with politics. Instead, we have a book about the ethics of atomic war from the perspective of those who developed the technology and their descendants.

We even have a cameo appearance from Uncle Albert Einstein.

The religion is still present, though. In this book, Potok explores a different aspect of Judaism, the mystical Kabbalah. It delves into the deeper spiritual and philosophical concepts within the Jewish faith, adding another layer of depth to the story.

Overall, while this book may not be a reread for me, it is still a worthwhile exploration of important themes such as war, ethics, and religion. Potok's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a valuable addition to any bookshelf.

I probably read this book 25 years ago. I don't remember now. I didn't keep track back then.

I read it because I found it in the national library for the blind and print disabled collection. It has been narrated by an excellent narrator, Dana Bait, who apparently didn't narrate too many books. But he is incredible.

I admit to forgetting most of this book. I didn't forget it because it was forgettable. I just didn't apparently take it in the first time. The only thing I remembered was that Arthur went to Japan and then died. I had forgotten how he died.

This book is full of incredible analysis. I really like this author. I have read other books by him, at least two of them, and they are all superb. I can only imagine the energy that goes into writing these books.

I like this book for its descriptions, self-analysis, philosophy, and the mixing of present and then visions. Sometimes I would miss when the main character, Gershon, would slip into having a vision, but I could sort it out most of the time. Gershon seems to stay the same as he doesn't quite know what he is going to do, but then he gets an idea through a vision.

It is also interesting that Arthur, in his agony, decides that the thing he says about the death of 100,000 is Kaddish. Instead of making a speech or starting a foundation like a 21st-century person might do, he retreats to something familiar in his religion.

As I delved more deeply into the story, I would remember bits and pieces. However, with the passage of time and the accumulation of knowledge, I understand this book more than I did the first time.

I liked this book very much and gave it a five-star rating because of the above-mentioned things. What I really enjoyed was the analysis and the philosophy. I have taken an interest in Jewish things for the last 40 or so years and have read many Jewish authors and subjects.

I don't know much about philosophy on a deep level, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book. And since I don't read much about Korea, this subject was always intriguing. I like the ending. I will let you discover it for yourself. :-)

Like many of Potok's novels, the philosophical debate between the Talmud and Kabbalah forms the underpinning of the action.

However, in this particular instance, Gershon, our central hero, has made the decision to embark on the path of the Kabbalah "light". What truly endeared this book to me was the evolution of the protagonist. It was captivating to witness Gershon's transformation from a guilt-ridden, despondent, and powerless young man into a leader and a source of strength for those in his vicinity.

As the narrative progresses to Korea and then to Japan, we are afforded a rare glimpse into the Far East during the 1950s. I had never perused a book about the Korean War or one regarding the dropping of the bomb in Japan. I relished this segment of the book as well. Nevertheless, it was ultimately Gershon's relationship with his "New England" friend Arthur and his personal spiritual struggle that held my interest captive.

The story weaves together these various elements, creating a rich tapestry that engages the reader on multiple levels. It explores not only the philosophical and spiritual aspects but also the historical and cultural context, making it a truly immersive and thought-provoking read.

In all my Jewish exploration, this is my first Chaim Potok book.

A housemate lent it to me, and I am excited about the juxtoposition of Kabbala and Nuclear doomsday. Surprisingly, it's not even sci-fi! Thanks to the Cold War.

The book was clear and straightforward, yet it dragged at times. The guilt of the Nuclear bombing of Japan was salient, but at times it seemed melodramatic. The use of light as a symbol of divinity, through Kabbala, and death, through nuclear explosion, seemed a bit forced.

However, the most valuable elements were the descriptions of the life of a New York Jewish chaplain on a military base in Korea and his relationships with the rabbis at his seminary. It demonstrated that back in the 1970s, Conservative Judaism was not so far from Modern Orthodox Judaism nowadays. It was a very academic Judaism that was devotionally observed but not completely isolating. This aspect of the book provided interesting insights into the religious and cultural context of that time.

Overall, while the book had its flaws, it also had some redeeming qualities that made it worth reading.

I cherish the memories related to various readings of Potok - "Danny the Chosen", "My Name Is Asher Lev", "The Chosen" -, but "The Book of Lights" did not seem to me up to par. Always formally good writing, if not excellent, the story that Potok tells is a long promise, with potentially interesting storylines that soon fade away and perpetually uncertain characters who always suffer. The beautiful memories remain.

The works of Potok have always held a special place in my heart. His writing style is captivating and engaging, drawing the reader into the lives of his characters. However, "The Book of Lights" fell short of my expectations. While the writing was still of a high standard, the story lacked the depth and substance that I had come to expect from Potok.

The potentially interesting storylines that were introduced at the beginning of the book failed to develop fully, leaving the reader feeling disappointed. The characters, too, seemed to lack a certain clarity and purpose, making it difficult to truly connect with them. Despite these flaws, I still have fond memories of my readings of Potok's other works, and I look forward to seeing what he has in store for us in the future.

Gershon Loran resides with his aunt and uncle. Ever since they lost their son in the war, their lives have never been the same. Gershon is currently studying in a seminary with the aspiration of becoming a rabbi. Recently, it has been decreed that in order to obtain the rabbinate, one must serve as a chaplain in the military for two years. His roommate, Arthur Leiden, who has never been able to come to terms with the loss of his brother in the war, is completely torn apart by this news. When Gershon's aunt and uncle learn of this requirement, they are absolutely devastated. However, they manage to convince themselves that Gershon can somehow find a way out of it. But deep down, they know that he can't.

This situation places a great burden on Gershon. He is caught between his dreams of becoming a rabbi and the obligation to serve in the military. The thought of leaving his studies and entering the military weighs heavily on his mind. His relationship with his aunt and uncle, who have already suffered so much, is also at stake. As he grapples with this dilemma, Gershon must find a way to come to terms with his situation and make a decision that will have a profound impact on his future.