I truly relished this to a great extent. However, the ending left me with a longing for more.

I am extremely sad that there isn't a third book.

Nonetheless, this was a wonderful conclusion to Asher Lev's story.

I really adored it.

The narrative of Asher Lev has been a captivating journey.

The author has done a remarkable job in presenting his character and the various challenges he faces.

The first two books have been filled with intense emotions and thought-provoking moments.

Although I am disappointed that the story doesn't continue, I can appreciate the way this conclusion ties up the loose ends.

It gives a sense of closure to Asher's tale and allows the readers to reflect on his growth and development.

Overall, it has been a great reading experience and I will cherish this series.

Having just completed the re-reading of *My Name Is Asher Lev*, I was irresistibly drawn to re-read the sequel. The story of the artist and Ladover Hasid Asher Lev leaps forward by twenty years. Asher is residing and working in France. Sadly, he has lost his mentor, Jacob Kahn. He is now married and has two children - the asthmatic yet bright daughter Rochelah and the sensitive son Avrumel. His latest exhibition was severely criticized by the critics. Now, Asher discovers that his beloved Uncle has passed away. He gathers his family and takes them back to the Brooklyn Ladover community that he turned away from in his twenties.

The reestablishment of the Ladover connection brings Asher back into the orbit of his father, who is now the Ladovers' second-in-command, respected only slightly less than the aging and frail Rebbe, their religious leader. It also forces him into a confrontation with his late uncle's adult children, who either have mixed feelings about the renowned artist or openly despise him. So when Asher learns that Uncle Yitzoch had a substantial and extremely valuable art collection - and that he appointed Asher as the executor - the tensions and pressures on an artist at a turning point intensify until he can no longer endure it. And ultimately, the Rebbe desires something from Asher that he feels incapable of giving. Must he make a choice between two things he loves profoundly?

Potok once again weaves a captivating spell around the Ladover community and its numerous characters. And once more, the author delves deep into the mind and heart of a great artist, striving to discover new means to express his feelings and beliefs while remaining true to his faith.

This was even better than the first!

The themes that were introduced in the beginning not only continued but also developed and evolved in a truly remarkable way. They gradually built upon each other, layer by layer, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement that steadily grew.

As the story or piece progressed, the themes became more prominent and intense, leading up to a crescendo at the very end. This climax was the culmination of all the previous developments and it left a lasting impression on the reader or viewer. It was a moment of great impact and significance, where all the elements came together in a powerful and unforgettable way.

The way the themes were handled in this work was truly masterful, making it an even more engaging and enjoyable experience than the first. It left one eager to see what might come next and how the themes might further unfold and surprise.

"Everything is a kaleidoscope," Asher Lev says in one of the final chapters of this book.

"That's what I'm trying to capture in my art." I'm left wondering if Potok shares the same sentiment. This story, which is set 20 years after "My Name Is Asher Lev," takes a seemingly simple event - a man going home for a funeral - and reveals layer upon layer of the narrative. What initially appears straightforward quickly transforms into a complex maze and riddle.

There is the Ladover hasidic community, shocked by Asher's art, especially one particular set. How can he be observant and yet create such works? Then there are his parents, devout yet damaged, trying to fit into a community that Asher struggles with. His wife, orphaned and traumatized by the Holocaust, loves him but finds a life that he doesn't quite fit into either. His daughter, son, friends, and mentors - all add different dimensions to the story.

The intricate inner world of Asher Lev the artist raises numerous profound questions. Why does God allow suffering? Is there a grand master plan? Why did God bestow Asher with his gift? Is he like Abraham, asked to make a great sacrifice?

I found this story both compelling and fascinating, yet also deeply sad. The rebbe, who wields almost god-like influence, looms large and ominously throughout. It's a story that will stay with me and continue to be a subject of my thoughts for a long while.

This is the sequel to My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok.

The story picks up 20 years after the first book. Asher Lev is now in exile in Nice, France. He is married and has two children.

Tragedy strikes when Asher's uncle passes away. The family returns to his Ladover Hassidic society and family in Brooklyn for the funeral.

Once there, the will of the Rebbe begins to be slowly made known to the family.

Asher is a renowned artist, but he constantly struggles with how to reconcile his art with his faith. He had a disastrous Paris show and is now finding it difficult to paint again.

Shortly after the funeral, a shocking revelation is made - his uncle has a vast art collection.

The writer has a remarkable ability to draw the reader into the closed community. You feel as if you are truly a part of it.

The writing style is deeply moving and highly descriptive. The action unfolds slowly, revealing the story in a beautiful and deliberate way.

Interestingly, I also felt that there were symbols of the Christian faith in the story, particularly with the mystery of the number 3.

This sequel is a captivating continuation of Asher's journey, exploring themes of faith, art, and family in a profound and engaging manner.

**Original Article**: The importance of exercise cannot be emphasized enough. It helps maintain a healthy body and mind. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, and boost the immune system. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety.

**Expanded Article**:

The importance of exercise cannot be emphasized enough.

It is truly a fundamental aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining both a healthy body and a sound mind.

Regular physical activity has numerous benefits. It can significantly improve cardiovascular health, making the heart stronger and more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body.

Additionally, it helps strengthen muscles and bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and other skeletal problems.

Another significant advantage is that it can boost the immune system, enabling the body to better fight off diseases and infections.

Moreover, exercise is an excellent stress reliever. It helps reduce stress and anxiety levels, leaving you feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated. In conclusion, incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine is essential for overall well-being.

I saw the play in Kansas City of "My Name is Asher Lev", but didn't read the book. When I went to the library and grabbed this book, I thought it was the original, but it ended up being the follow-up.

After seeing the play, I was able to easily follow and understand all of the characters, which was great. I love how Potok sucked me into the Hasidic community and how well I could relate to his Asher's wife's enjoyment and longing for the familial connections she found in NY.

The situation between Asher, his cousins and his aunt, in relation to his Uncle's art collection was powerful and very real. I could feel the anger and conflict on all sides. I was hoping he would at least do a public showing of the collection as a whole.

However, there are many more questions left unanswered. So, is Potok going to write another Asher Lev story for us? The ending left me frustrated and annoyed as I wanted more. I wanted other things to happen and there is probably a reason it was left this way. I'm hoping there is more, but we shall see!

I really enjoyed this book, despite the unanswered questions. It made me think about family, art, and religion in a whole new way. I would definitely recommend it to others who are interested in these topics.

I can't wait to see if Potok decides to continue Asher's story. If he does, I'm sure it will be just as engaging and thought-provoking as this one.

The highly anticipated sequel to Potok's My Name is Asher Lev

takes place 20 years after the events of the first book. At this point, Asher has become a renowned artist and is residing in Paris. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when his beloved uncle passes away suddenly, thrusting him back into the religious life of New York.

The story is a moving one, filled with themes of family, identity, and art. Asher must come to terms with his past and find a way to reconcile his new life in Paris with his roots in the Orthodox Jewish community of New York.

While this sequel does not quite reach the same height of emotion and power as the first story, it is still a worthwhile read. Potok's writing is as beautiful and engaging as ever, and the characters are complex and well-developed.

Overall, this sequel offers a satisfying conclusion to Asher's story and is sure to please fans of the first book. By all means, still read it!

This is an absolutely wonderful sequel to My Name is Asher Lev. It is extremely stirring and deeply emotional, capable of tugging at the heartstrings of the readers.

I truly have a great affection for the personality that is conveyed through the first-person narrative. The author has done an excellent job in presenting the character in a vivid and engaging manner.

Moreover, the foreshadowing in this book is remarkable. It is done both blatantly, which grabs the reader's attention immediately, and subtly, adding an element of mystery and anticipation.

Overall, this is yet another wonderful work by Chaim Potok that delves deep into the analysis and celebration of Judaism. It offers valuable insights into the religion, its traditions, and the people who follow it. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Jewish literature or those who want to explore the rich and complex world of Judaism.

4.5 stars

This work is truly beautiful.

Although it did experience a slight lull in the middle, it remained deeply moving, thought-provoking, and interesting.

Just like every other piece I've read by Potok up until now, it has a certain charm and allure.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is rich and complex.

Even during the slower parts, there is still something to be gained from the reading.

It makes you think about various aspects of life, love, and human nature.

The writing style is流畅 and easy to follow, yet it also has a certain elegance and sophistication.

Overall, it is a wonderful read that I would highly recommend to others.

I have been an avid reader of Chaim Potok's novels since my teenage years. I find myself constantly drawn to his vivid and detailed portrayal of Jewish life, which he presents in a multitude of different styles. It offers such a refreshing and captivating contrast to the one-dimensional picture that often emerges through Christian stereotypes.

Recently, I delved into the second volume of the Asher Lev series once again. It is a truly remarkable and powerful exploration of the complex relationship between one's people and one's individual self. Even as Asher Lev embarks on a path that seems contrary to the ethos of his community, the pull of his heritage and the expectations of his people remain strong. I am particularly impressed by the way Potok portrays Asher Lev's faith, which he expresses through his art. It is a mystical and prayerful faith that stands in stark contrast to the equally powerful faith of his Hasidic community.

While I have always been especially drawn to Potok's portrayals of the relationships between fathers and sons, in this particular novel, I find it difficult to fully accept the character of Lev's father within the context of the story. The Rebbe of the community is depicted as deeply wise and lovingly appealing, while Lev's father, who becomes the Rebbe's right-hand man and is revered almost to the same degree, is consistently shown to lack the sensitivity and wisdom that make the Rebbe such an effective leader. However, I cannot say more without spoiling the story for those who have not yet read it.

Twenty years have elapsed since the conclusion of "My Name is Asher Lev."

Asher is now married and has two children, residing in southern France. His paintings continue to stir controversy, and he has just completed a show that critics claim demonstrates his tendency to repeat himself.

At this low ebb, he receives a call from his mother, informing him of the passing of his beloved Uncle Yitzchok. Asher, along with his wife and two children, returns to Brooklyn for what is intended to be just the Week of Mourning. However, he ends up staying for several months, grappling with childhood issues and new demands placed upon him.

Reread in 2013, this work is almost as excellent as the first, but not quite. There are moments when the inner dialogue of the struggle seems a bit overly verbose. In other parts, it becomes a bit challenging to follow, as I wasn't certain if it was something actually occurring at that moment or if it was a dream.

The flashbacks to the WWII holocaust experiences of Devorah (Asher's wife) are beneficial in revealing who she is today and the battles she confronts. I read approximately the first third of the book in one afternoon and evening as it captivated me and I simply couldn't seem to put it down.