Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
37(37%)
4 stars
31(31%)
3 stars
32(32%)
2 stars
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Like most of Chaim Potok's works, this story truly struck a chord with me.

It’s not one of his more renowned books, and it definitely diverges from his typical style. However, I discovered it to be profoundly meaningful.

The story progresses at a slow and steady pace, which surprisingly worked well for me. It provided the emotional moments with the space to breathe and take root.

I also appreciated how the book mirrored Potok’s own time in Korea. He served as a U.S. Army chaplain during the Korean War, and that experience evidently influenced the emotional tone and setting of the story.

It added a sense of authenticity and intimacy that I hadn't anticipated, making the story even more engaging and impactful.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this lesser-known work of Chaim Potok and would highly recommend it to others.
July 15,2025
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This book is truly distinct from "The Chosen" and likely the majority of his other works, as it delves much deeper into Jewish culture.

Potok masterfully captured the tale of three Korean refugees who were ensnared in the horrors of the Korean war.

When an elderly Korean couple rescues a boy they discover lying in a ditch, they find that as they tend to him, he recovers and begins to care for them in return, bestowing upon them what they perceive as nearly "magical" powers.

It is a captivating story that intertwines love, war, and a boy's journey of growing up.

The vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make this book a must-read for anyone interested in exploring different cultures and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Potok's ability to bring this story to life on the page is a testament to his talent as a writer.

Overall, this book offers a unique and engaging perspective on a lesser-known aspect of history.
July 15,2025
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What a truly sad and haunting book this is.

In war-torn Korea, we are plunged into the nightmare of fleeing during the harsh winter. There is a nameless older couple and a wounded boy they discover in a ditch.

They persevere, constantly teetering on the brink of death due to the bitter cold and starvation. There is an abundance of suffering and death, yet there is also a glimmer of hope in the end.

Chaim Potok's beautiful poetic language is truly a marvel. It works so exquisitely, painting a vivid and heart-wrenching picture in our minds.

This book has made me love Korea and Koreans even more. It has given me a deeper understanding and appreciation of their history, culture, and the indomitable spirit of its people.

It is a book that will stay with me for a long time, leaving an indelible mark on my heart and soul.
July 15,2025
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Thought I'd read all Chaim Potok's books, but recently I found this one on a library shelf.

It is a significant departure from Potok's other works. Generally, he tells stories about Jews and Judaism in various forms. However, this one is about an elderly Korean couple fleeing the horrors of the Korean War.

It serves as a fascinating window into Korean culture and religion as he leads us through the painful days of their tortuous flight. They encounter a critically wounded adolescent boy, and the wife makes it her mission to save him, while the husband despises the boy and is filled with resentment.

The story is dark and grim, with little redeeming value, except for the wife's dogged determination and love in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Potok is a master storyteller, and as always, I was drawn into his narrative. It was not an enjoyable read, but it was an important one. I learned about another culture and came face to face with the dreadful and repugnant acts of war, its effects, and aftermath.

On every page, I was reminded of the desperate plight of unregenerate mankind and made acutely aware that the only answer is Jesus. People truly need the Lord.

July 15,2025
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Chaim Potok is indeed one of my favorite authors.

Initially, I wasn't anticipating to have the same level of affection for this book as I did for his others. However, to my pleasant surprise, I ended up thoroughly enjoying it.

I am truly captivated by the way he makes the readers feel deeply about his characters.

This particular story is about an elderly Korean couple who are forced to flee their village during the turmoil of the Korean War.

During their escape, they come across an injured boy. The wife, with her kind heart, insists on taking the boy along with them.

The man, on the other hand, experiences a conflicted state of mind. He goes back and forth between believing that the boy's presence is a curse and thinking that the boy might possess some mysterious magical powers.

As the story unfolds, we witness the various emotions and challenges that this unlikely trio faces, which makes for a truly engaging and thought-provoking read.
July 15,2025
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"I Am the Clay" is a truly touching story that unfolds in a war-torn Korea. It centers around an old couple and a boy, all of whom are striving to survive in the midst of chaos and destruction. This book was assigned as required reading, yet I found myself enjoying it despite some reservations. The writing style, while not to my personal taste, didn't overshadow the powerful narrative. At times, the pace of the story could be a bit slow, which might have tested the patience of some readers. However, the overall themes of love, perseverance, and the human spirit in the face of adversity more than made up for these minor drawbacks. It was a thought-provoking and emotional read that left a lasting impression on me.

July 15,2025
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This is an excellent book that truly touches the heart.

It vividly showcases how a significant portion of the world exists, especially during times of war.

The exploration of human relationships and personalities within the story is both profound and engaging.

The characters come to life, and their experiences and emotions are palpable.

The book also reaches a meaningful conclusion that ties everything together beautifully.

It leaves the reader with a sense of satisfaction and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Overall, this is a very good read that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

It offers a unique perspective on life during war and the power of human connection.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful book.

July 15,2025
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Like his other books, Rabbi Potok does not fail to transport us into the world of the book.

His writing is so vivid and engaging that we can almost feel as if we are right there, experiencing the events and emotions along with the characters.

Whether it is the complex relationships within a Jewish community, the struggles of a young man coming to terms with his identity, or the exploration of religious and philosophical ideas, Potok's stories draw us in and make us care deeply about what happens.

He has a remarkable ability to bring the past to life, making us understand the historical and cultural context in which his characters live.

Through his words, we are able to gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of the human experience.

Rabbi Potok's books are not just entertainment; they are a source of inspiration and enlightenment that have the power to change our lives.
July 15,2025
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Beautifully written. This piece truly showcases the utter devastation of war. It takes the reader on a vivid journey, painting a picture that is both harrowing and heart-wrenching. The words seem to leap off the page, bringing to life the horror and destruction that war leaves in its wake.


We see the broken cities, the rubble-strewn streets, and the countless lives that have been lost or forever changed. The author's use of language is masterful, evoking emotions that range from sadness and anger to a profound sense of loss. It makes us realize the true cost of war and the importance of working towards peace.


Overall, this is a powerful and moving piece that serves as a reminder of the terrible consequences of conflict. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true nature of war and the need for a more peaceful world.

July 15,2025
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I think I maybe just didn't get it.

Perhaps I was too preoccupied with other things or simply didn't have the right perspective.

There could be many reasons why I didn't understand.

Maybe the concept was too complex, or the information was presented in a way that I couldn't easily grasp.

It's also possible that I was making assumptions or jumping to conclusions without fully understanding the situation.

Whatever the reason, I realize that I need to take a step back and look at the issue more closely.

I should try to approach it with an open mind and be willing to consider different viewpoints.

Maybe I need to ask more questions or seek additional resources to gain a better understanding.

In the end, I believe that with a little more effort and patience, I will be able to get it.
July 15,2025
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Having delved deep into "The Chosen," the Asher Lev series, and nearly every other work by this astute author, I was captivated when I discovered a book of his that had eluded my notice thus far. Intriguingly, this particular book was not centered around Jewish people, despite its title seemingly being derived from Isaiah 64:8. In fact, it tells the story of an elderly Korean couple who find themselves embroiled in the horrors of the Korean War. They take an eleven-year-old boy into their care, with the husband initially being extremely reluctant. The boy is so severely wounded that his very survival hangs in the balance. The writing style of this book is distinct from the other Potok works I have perused. It is spare and impersonal, featuring sentence fragments and nameless principle characters. However, this style is eminently suitable for the narrative being unfurled. Potok's experience as an army chaplain in Korea during the war undoubtedly lends authenticity to his portrayal of its atrocities and challenges. Moreover, he vividly描绘s Korea's countryside and villages, making the story all the more engaging and believable.

July 15,2025
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I Am The Clay is an extraordinary kind of book.

From start to finish, it is deeply human and emotional, filled with metaphors and symbolism that enhance the story infinitely.

The narrative is so sincere and authentic that it almost feels like a non-fiction account rather than a fictional work.

The story revolves around an elderly couple. The old man is bitter, while the old woman is pious.

In war-torn Korea, they come across an injured child and manage to save his life.

Surprisingly, in the end, it seems as if the child saves their lives instead.

He is like the clay that binds them together until the very end, holding their relationship and their lives in a fragile but unbreakable bond.

This book takes the reader on a journey through the lives of these characters, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption in a way that is both powerful and moving.
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