The Chosen by Chaim Potok is truly one of my all-time favorite books. So, when I happened to come across it for just $5 at a used book store, I didn't hesitate for a moment and decided to buy it.

It's important to be warned that this book is not of the same type as what one might expect. It is a detailed historical chronicle that is chock-full of specific dates, significant events, and numerous people that I had never even heard of before.

The only prior knowledge I had about Russian Jewry was from the well-known musical Fiddler on the Roof. But Potok quickly leaves that familiar territory behind within just about 10 pages.

However, despite spending a great deal of my reading time feeling confused, I must admit that I do now feel more educated about a particular place and its people that I previously knew absolutely nothing about.

If you have a desire to become more knowledgeable or if you have a genuine interest in the Russian Jewish refuseniks, then this is indeed a great book for you. But if that doesn't apply to you, then you can simply skip this book and not give it a second thought.

This book initially presents a rather dry tone.

However, as one delves deeper into its pages, it becomes evident that it is well worth the effort of reading.

The content within gradually unfolds, revealing valuable insights and information.

I recall having to search for it specifically in the non-fiction section of the library.

Despite the somewhat unappealing start, the overall quality and substance of the book make it a worthwhile addition to any reading collection.

It offers a unique perspective on various topics and can potentially expand one's knowledge and understanding.

So, even though the beginning might seem a bit dull, don't be deterred.

Give this book a chance, and you might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

There is a wealth of remarkable history within this exploration of a Russian Jewish family and their lives spanning from the pre-revolutionary era to the 1980s. However, at times, it can be a challenging read to get through.

Still, the father's narrative is truly captivating. He fled anti-Semitic Tsarist Russia for America, where he became politicized. He then led an army against the Whites and Japanese, rose to a top-ranking position within the Bolsheviks, and even journeyed to China to assist in initiating the revolution there. It's an incredibly vast and enthralling story.

The other primary focus lies in the various forms that anti-Semitism has taken in Russia and the USSR, as well as the dissident movement of the 1960s and 1970s. It was truly fascinating to consider how people organized and took actions to protest and resist, even when they were afraid to communicate with those they didn't know.

For a random discovery in an op-shop, I suppose I have learned a great deal. This book offers a unique perspective on a family's experiences and the broader historical context in which they lived. It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the past to better navigate the present.

I was truly surprised by this book. I had previously read The Chosen and My Name is Asher Lev and held them in high regard. Given that The Gates of November is non-fiction and I had come across several unenthusiastic reviews, I didn't really anticipate it to be as excellent. However, it was a subject that piqued my interest, so I braced myself for a less than captivating read. Oh, how wrong I was!

For me, this book was even more enthralling than either of the novels. Willa Cather once said that there are only one or two human stories and they keep repeating themselves with great intensity as if they had never occurred before. Maybe there are more than one or two, but this true story is undoubtedly unfolding right before our eyes. It is a powerful narrative, and Potok did it justice and then some.

The rift between the Bolshevik father, a dedicated lifelong Communist who rose through the ranks during the Revolution, and the son, who had a relatively good life (especially by Russian standards) but began to question and become completely disillusioned with Soviet life, was eerily similar to the breakdown of relationships between parents and children and others that I have witnessed in this country over the past 5 years.

In my opinion, such inspired writing can only occur when the author is completely immersed in the story he is telling. Potok was. He journeyed to Russia to meet the Stepaks and other Refusniks and worked tirelessly with and for them. Chaim Potok was an ordained Orthodox rabbi, yet he did everything in his power to assist Jews, whether religious or not, in escaping Russia. I am grateful to him for his actions and for this wonderful book. This is a story with a happy ending because, against all odds, this battle was won. Those old values of courage, strength, faith, and hope ultimately prevailed. Let us not forget.

A personal look at life in 20th century Russian/Soviet Union provides a fascinating glimpse into the experiences of several Jewish families.

In this era, the Russian/Soviet Union underwent significant political, social, and economic changes. The lives of Jewish families were deeply affected by these transformations.

Some families faced discrimination and persecution, while others managed to adapt and thrive. The article may explore the various challenges and opportunities that these families encountered, such as limited educational and职业 opportunities, as well as the impact of political unrest and war.

It could also shed light on the rich cultural and religious traditions that the Jewish families maintained despite the difficult circumstances. Through the personal stories and perspectives of these families, we can gain a better understanding of the complex and diverse history of 20th century Russian/Soviet Union.

The story of a Russian Jewish family is truly captivating.

The father, one of the Old Bolsheviks, played a significant role in fomenting the revolution. He was a true believer until the very end of his life.

On the other hand, the son, initially a privileged princeling, had a dramatic transformation. As he discovered his Jewish identity, he made the bold decision to throw away all his privileges and sought to emigrate to Israel. Along this arduous journey, we are provided with a brief yet cogent history of Bolshevism. Additionally, there is a much more detailed account of Judaism in the Soviet Union.

The son became an embattled and indefatigable sufferer, persecuted by the government for his beliefs and actions. Despite their differences, the father and son never came to any sort of agreement. This story is not only interesting but also provides valuable insights into the complex intersection of politics, identity, and family in a tumultuous era.

It serves as a reminder of the power of belief and the sacrifices that individuals are willing to make in the pursuit of their true selves and their desired destinations.

The magnificent story of the Slepak family, through just two generations, Potok takes us through a century of Russian history.

The family history of the Slepak family, the history of the Jews in Russia, and the history of Russia itself alternate and intersect.

Some episodes are well-known, while others are much less so, such as Stalin's decision to completely annihilate the Jewish movement at the end of the 1940s until Stalin's own death.

The figure of the father, immovable in his positions as a communist faithful to his roots and the ideology to which he has dedicated his entire life, alternates with that of the son, the catalyst for the protest movement of the refusniks.

In my opinion, one of the best books by Potok.

This is a well-written story that delves into an exciting aspect of Jewish, Russian, and Soviet history. It takes the reader on a captivating journey through a specific period, vividly描绘ing the events and characters that shaped that era. The story likely explores the complex relationships and interactions between the Jewish community and the broader Russian and Soviet societies. It might touch on themes such as cultural exchange, political upheavals, and the struggles and triumphs of the people. Through detailed descriptions and engaging narrative, the author brings this historical period to life, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this important part of history.

This is one of Potok's lesser known works, as far as I can tell.

It's non-fiction, but it definitely shows the imprint of a talented story teller.

This book is about the Slepak family, who were among the most famous of the "refusniks" - Jews who were denied permission to emigrate from the USSR.

They had to wait a whopping 17 years!

During that time, one of them was exiled to Siberia for 5 years for some trumped up charge against the government.

It's a story of brute determination to be Jewish and be free to be Jewish no matter the cost.

We can all learn from this story of courage.

It teaches us that in the face of great adversity, one should not give up on their beliefs and dreams.

The Slepak family's unwavering spirit is truly inspiring.

It shows that even in the harshest of circumstances, the human will can prevail.

We should all strive to have the same level of determination and courage in our own lives.

Superb! This is a non-fiction history that chronicles a Jewish family over a hundred-year period in Russia. It is an absolutely incredible read. The detailed account of their lives, struggles, and triumphs throughout the years is truly captivating. I find myself completely immersed in their story, and it has opened my eyes to a world that I had only previously known in passing. I have no doubt that this will be one of the best books I read this year. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, family, or the human experience. The author's research and writing are both top-notch, making this a truly remarkable work.

I have an intense passion for reading about Russian history, and this particular book truly lived up to my expectations.

It chronicles the story of a Russian Jewish family, starting just before the Bolshevik revolution and extending all the way up to glasnost.

The experiences of this family, with their hardships, struggles, joys, and fears, were in many ways representative of what countless others endured during those incredibly tumultuous times.

Reading about their journey provides a fascinating glimpse into a world that was constantly in flux, a world where political upheavals, social changes, and personal challenges intertwined.

It makes one realize the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

This book is not just a story about one family; it is a testament to the collective experience of an entire nation during a period of great transformation.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian history or in understanding the human condition in times of crisis and change.

I thought that this was a thorough, if somewhat dry, look at the damage wrought to the Jewish community in Communist Russia.

It delved deep into the historical events and circumstances that had a profound impact on the lives of the Jewish people during that time. The details presented were eye-opening and provided a comprehensive understanding of the hardships they endured.

I also think it should be required reading for everyone. This work offers a unique perspective that is far more resonant than any newspaper you could currently read.

It allows readers to step back in time and witness the real-life struggles and challenges faced by the Jewish community. By reading this, we can gain a greater appreciation for their resilience and the importance of learning from history.

It is a powerful reminder that we must never forget the past and continue to strive for a more just and equal world.