Potok delves deep into the messy yet realistic aspects of life.

This, I believe, is the very reason why I have a great interest in his books.

His works may not be overly filled with intense action, and at times, they can seem a bit dull. However, the reader is richly rewarded with moments that are both vividly beautiful and painfully poignant.

While reading The Promise, I was truly impressed (and also a bit disconcerted) by the remarkable nuance in Potok's characterizations.

Consequently, I found myself sympathizing with both sides of the conflict. He did not sugarcoat or demonize.

In the lives of almost all the characters, there were elements to love and things to loathe, much like in the complex world in which I exist.

In this story, he masterfully depicts the compelling tension between religious fanaticism and enlightened skepticism, along with the accompanying cloud of misunderstandings and suspicions.

The Jews are not the only ones to encounter this. I too face similar dilemmas in my own life.

Chaim's novel writing prowess truly shines through in his remarkable ability to intricately weave approximately three plot lines together, populated with highly likeable characters. This unique talent of his has me completely engrossed, constantly eager to turn the pages in search of more thrilling details.

Interestingly, I discovered that the bond between the best friends in the story is more mature and less overly intimate than I had initially anticipated. This is especially evident when considering the promise of their friendship that was established in the hospital scene, which followed their first encounter in the prequel. However, upon reflection, I suppose that friendship in real life often mirrors this pattern.

It makes me realize that true friendships can be complex and multifaceted, not always conforming to our preconceived notions. Chaim's portrayal of these relationships adds a layer of authenticity to his novel, making it all the more engaging and relatable.

Overall, his writing style and the way he develops the story and its characters have left a lasting impression on me, making me look forward to reading more of his work in the future.

4.5 stars. I truly enjoyed The Chosen more, yet this sequel was really outstanding. It has left such a profound impact on me that I'll be pondering over it for years to come.

The aspect that I adore so very much about both of these books is the beautiful father-son relationship between Reuven and his father. It is truly heartwarming and complex at the same time.

There are two quotes by Reuven's father that I just adored. The first one is: "That is the way the world is, Reuven. Each generation thinks it fights new battles. But the battles are the same. Only the people are different." This quote really makes you think about the cyclical nature of life and how history repeats itself.

The second quote is: "What a chance we take when we raise children," my father murmured. "What a terrible chance." This quote highlights the uncertainties and risks that come with being a parent. It shows the depth of a father's love and concern for his child.

Evo još jedne Potokove ljepotice.

The ease with which this person writes is truly astonishing. While reading, I thought the words were arranging and forming themselves. It is simply a pleasure to read something so fluid.

The story is still centered around a pair of friends and their choices and struggles. However, something of the universality that I felt when reading the predecessor has been lost. Of course, there are still serious lessons that can be learned here and applied in one's life.

The choice is ours alone, and it doesn't necessarily have to conform to the conventions of previous generations, but still - the opinions of others must be known to respect and value. This is a book about peace in conflict (it is very similar to "The Chosen"). At the same time, this is an attempt at reconciling tradition and modernity. Truly a pleasant read in which you can lose yourself and surrender to the beauty of creativity and the power of words.

The rating is conditional upon an inevitable comparison with "The Chosen", which was much stronger. However, on its own, "The Promise" did not remain just words - it met the expectations, which were very high.