So, after delving into a plethora of youth fiction and romance novels, I made up my mind to seek out a book at the library that carried a greater degree of social significance.

While in search of "My Name is Asher Lev", I chanced upon this particular volume. At first glance, it seemed a bit on the dreary side, but then again, what could one realistically anticipate from a story set during the Korean War?

One aspect that I truly enjoyed was the fact that, in a certain sense, each of the three main characters - an elderly man and his wife, along with a wounded stranger (a boy) - ended up saving one another. The narrative was predominantly presented from the old man's point of view, yet he came across as rather withdrawn for my personal taste.

It was fascinating to read about those who firmly believe in the existence of spirits that can either safeguard them or cause them harm. Their actions were frequently influenced by their perception of whether the spirits were bestowing blessings or casting curses upon them. All in all, I found this aspect of the story to be quite captivating.

Reading this short book was truly enjoyable due to Potok's skillful and spare writing style.

The grammar is direct and unemotional, and the action progresses smoothly, almost like translating Latin.

This book made me reflect on the numerous conceptions that people have about "family" and what it truly encompasses. It is highly likely that the essence of family transcends most, if not all, cultures.

All the characters in the story repeatedly deny any familiar relationship and even hesitate to use the terms of mother, father, or son. The old man firmly declares that the boy is not his blood and refuses to accept him into the village. He actively resents the boy's presence.

However, by the end of the story, they all become a true family and come to the realization that their survival has always depended on this relationship. This, I suppose, is a good thought for all of us to ponder. I truly appreciate that family is more than just a bloodline. It is about acceptance, love, and mutual support.

Overall, this short book offers a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the concept of family.

Excellent, thought-provoking. The story line is simple and direct, which sometimes makes it drag a bit due to the lack of action. However, it is well worth the time spent. The theme focuses on the plight of war-torn refugees. This book is set during the Korean War, but I firmly believe that it holds equal relevance today when it comes to the situation of the Syrian refugees. The writing is truly beautiful, and as a result, I have added 2 more Potok books to my "want to read" list. It makes me reflect on the harsh realities that refugees face and how their lives are uprooted by war. The author's ability to描绘 the emotions and experiences of the characters is remarkable. It not only provides an insight into a specific historical period but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing refugee crisis around the world.

This book was extremely challenging for me to get through, despite my deep affection for Chaim Potok’s writing.

The stream of consciousness narration presented by the three main characters - an old man, an old woman, and a young boy - is simply overwhelming.

All of them are fleeing from the North army and the Chinese during the Korean War.

This not only adds a layer of complexity to the story but also makes it a very sobering read.

The difficult style of the narration, combined with the intense subject matter, makes it a book that requires a great deal of concentration and effort to fully understand and appreciate.

However, despite the challenges, I believe that this book is still worth reading for those who are interested in exploring the human experience during times of war and conflict.

It offers a unique perspective on the Korean War and the impact it had on the lives of ordinary people.

Overall, while it may not be an easy read, it is definitely a thought-provoking and memorable one.

I have found this book to be extremely interesting, especially regarding the part related to folklore, superstition, and the customs and traditions of Korean society.

It is set in the 1950s during the Korean War and tells the story of a rather particular family. There is an elderly husband and wife who, on their journey fleeing from the war, encounter a lonely and wounded boy.

The war, hunger, and poverty constantly serve as the backdrop to the lives of the protagonists.

The detailed descriptions of the Korean folklore and superstitions add a unique charm to the story, making it not only a tale of survival but also a window into the rich cultural heritage of Korea.

The characters are well-developed, and their relationships and experiences are portrayed with great authenticity.

Overall, this book offers a captivating and thought-provoking look at a difficult period in Korean history through the eyes of a remarkable family.

This was a good read. However, if you are planning to read a book by Potok, it would be advisable to choose one that is set in his native context: Jewish culture and/or NYC. I have an absolute affection for both The Chosen and My Name is Asher Lev.

(Slight spoiler alert)

This book was still good though. It was a little bit like reading a lighter version of The Road by Cormac McCarthy, but set in Korea. Instead of having a haunting, possibly redemptive, gutwrenching ending like The Road, this one had a hopeful ending. It was an interesting take on a post-apocalyptic or survival story, with the added cultural backdrop of Korea. The characters and their experiences were engaging, and the author managed to create a sense of tension and uncertainty throughout the narrative. Overall, it was a worthwhile read, although perhaps not as impactful as some of Potok's other works set in his more familiar territory.

“I Am the Clay” (Ballantine Books, 1992) is a challenging read despite its relatively short length of around 240 paperback pages. It is a powerful exploration of the futility of war through the eyes of its victims. The absence of named country and main characters allows readers to fill in the blanks with their own personal experiences, enhancing their connection with the victims' nightmarish sufferings.

The title “I Am the Clay” is an unusual choice for a book about war atrocities. At first glance, one might think it's about an artist or a memoir. In fact, it takes its name from a Christian song learned by one of the Asian characters, most likely the traditional hymn “Charge My Heart O God.” However, since she learned it in English without understanding its meaning, it becomes one of the subtle cruelties depicted in the book.

Acclaimed American author Chaim Potok (1929 – 2002) is renowned for writing about his Jewish heritage. But in “I Am the Clay,” one of his last novels, he decided to view humanity's history as a whole, with an Asian war at its center. Potok, a veteran of the Korean War who served as a chaplain for two years, briefly mentioned the war in “The Book of Lights” (1981) but kept this experience mostly quiet until it emerged in this novel.

Readers familiar with Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning “The Road” (Alfred A Knopf, 2006) may notice some similar scenes in “I Am the Clay.” Interestingly, “I Am the Clay” predates McCarthy's novel, leading one to wonder if McCarthy ever read Potok's poignant work.

This book is both hypnotic and a page-turner, yet it's also like slowing down to observe a nearby train wreck. If you're easily upset and struggle to get through two chapters of a Stephen King novel, this book will haunt you. However, that's precisely its intention. It's like a scar that constantly peels away, revealing a new, fresh scar beneath.

A specific warning for dog lovers: dogs are treated brutally in this book. Potok even portrays them as heroic, making their treatment by war victims all the more perplexing. Perhaps this is the main theme of the book. Although the dogs didn't bite the hands that fed them, they were still slaughtered simply because they were considered less than human. Asians, too, have often been regarded as less than human by non-Asians, both in the past and, unfortunately, sometimes even today.

That's about what it felt like reading this book.

The jarring, staccato writing style was truly off-putting. I was completely unable to forge a connection with the characters.

As a result, I abandoned the book part way through.

I'm extremely disappointed.

I have really liked the three other Potok books I have read so far, namely The Chosen, The Promise, and My Name Is Asher Lev.

I was intrigued to pick up a book in which Potok was finally writing about another culture, this time Koreans instead of Jews.

So, I asked for this book for my birthday.

But it was quite the let down.

It just doesn't seem to have the emotional connection and insight of his other books.

I'm not willing to invest anymore time in it.

Instead, I can turn to another title of his that I also received, which I truly hope will prove better.

A beautiful and truly powerful story unfolds, revealing how vulnerable individuals come to the aid of one another when they find themselves helplessly trapped between the unforgiving cogs of war.

This story perhaps bears the closest resemblance to The Book of Lights, as both are set during the Korean War. However, it is distinctively different from anything else I have read by the author. The entire narrative centers around an elderly couple who chance upon an injured boy, all of them having been displaced by the ravages of war. I continuously anticipated that Potok would transition to another storyline, such as that of the soldiers engaged in the war. But, to my surprise, the story remains firmly focused on these Korean peasants.

Another delightful aspect was the unique structure of the book. The settings progress in the order of B, C, D, E, D, C, B, and then A. This was a pleasant surprise; I had not expected the story to extend beyond B, where it initially commences.

This book is not only powerfully impactful but also deeply poignant, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Probably 3.5 for me.

The novel employs a stream-of-consciousness style, which can be both engaging and challenging. It drifts between the three main characters without any prior notice, making it a bit difficult to follow at times. However, Potok's vivid descriptions of the hardships faced by refugees and his portrayal of life during the Korean war are truly remarkable.

Although it wasn't the most enjoyable book to read, I believe it was worthwhile. It offers a unique perspective on a historical period and the human experience. The characters are complex and their struggles are relatable, which makes the story all the more powerful.

Overall, while the book has its flaws, it is still a valuable read that provides insights into a different world and time.

An elderly couple are fleeing southward from their village during the Korean War.

At one point, they find themselves in a roadside ditch and discover there an injured boy. The old man wants to leave him behind, but his wife firmly insists that they take the boy with them.

Over the next several days, the boy recovers and begins to assist with the daily survival tasks. Gradually, the man realizes that good things are indeed happening with the boy around.

Re-reading this in 2014, it becomes evident that this is very different from all the other books of Potok's that I've read. All of his other works have a strong Jewish theme, while this one focuses on survival in the midst of the Korean War.

I wondered about this until I read the bio information in the back and learned that he'd served as a chaplain in Korea. Ah, now it makes perfect sense.

The young boy is named a couple of times, but the elderly couple never is. Perhaps this is because this story is a commentary on the war and all the nameless victims who struggled to survive. It emphasizes the anonymity and the harsh reality that many faced during that tumultuous time.

The experiences of the couple and the boy highlight the importance of compassion and the unexpected ways in which lives can intersect and change for the better even in the most difficult of circumstances.

A very powerful and moving book has been penned by Chaim Potok. This remarkable literary work is filled with profound themes such as faith, which serves as a guiding light through the darkest of times. It also delves into the hardships and trials that the characters face, making the story all the more relatable and engaging. The author masterfully weaves these elements together to create a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. It is a life-wrenching story that will leave readers deeply affected and contemplating the meaning of life and the power of the human spirit. Potok's writing style is both vivid and poignant, painting a vivid picture of the characters and their struggles. This book is not only a great read but also a source of inspiration and enlightenment.