Golem

An absolutely amazing book, both for historic and for artistic merit. Admittedly, I ran across this book via watching a fantastic video essay by Jacob Geller on YouTube—discussing the importance of the golem within Jewish culture and lore. The visuals were so striking that I had to get my hands on it, just to really pore over what makes a book like this so evocative.

Can absolutely say, the art alone would be enough to suck anyone in. These layered paper cuts are so intensely intricate that I found myself rereading this book-for-children just to examine where each layer started or ended. My personal favorite bit is, without a doubt, the one depiction of the Hebrew God in the book. Rabbi Loew witnesses a dream in which his God shows him show more a single word of power, which will later be used to bring the mighty Golem to life. But instead of paper—God's hand is a slightly translucent glittery plastic, utterly removed from the textures of every other illustration, and in fact literally visually ABOVE the paper... because you can see the plastic is casting a shadow. Just really really really cool visualization of a higher being, witnessed by its lessers.

But the story. Wow. Golem is a being of clay, a giant that becomes even bigger in response to the unhinged hatred felt for the Jews living in Prague. Being a creation of man, he is therefore less than man, subservient to Rabbi Loew's commands of locating evil people who perpetuate conspiracy against his flock. But in that same vein, Golem is still a creation brought to life by the will of the Hebrew God, formed from clay just like the first human. So he's overcome with emotions at the sight of a sunrise or the singing of birds. He gets distracted, the way I used to when I was a teenager on a farm, by the casual existence of every-day life.

As a result, the end of the book is heartbreaking for me. Golem has served his purpose, and the king of Prague has ordered Golem destroyed as a show of good faith. The giant begs for mercy, pleads to be allowed to learn and know the world, but the word—set into his forehead—that gave him life is destroyed. It had to be done, because Golem was just a creation of man and not a true person, but. Ehh. I always feel for the allegory of non-persons. It speaks to me on an individual level.

Being a huge fan of "machines that are people" media as well as the archetype to which Golem belongs—the superhuman savior—makes this a genuinely wonderful book to read even as a jaded adult. Also: inspired me to learn Hebrew! I want to understand the nuance of the word set in Golem's forehead—that seems incredibly neat. This is a truly wonderful tale.

Had I read this as a child, it would have left me unbelievably distraught in the best way... and probably eager to rewatch The Iron Giant. show less

When the Jews of Prague are falsely accused of a terrible crime, and threatened with mob violence, their wise and learned leader, the Rabbi Loew ben Bezalel, makes the difficult decision to create a golem - a man formed from clay or sand, and brought to life through arcane cabbalistic ritual - to protect them. Although the golem - soon clothed in human garb, and given the name "Joseph" - does what is asked of him, in tracking down those who would plant false evidence, and fending off those who would attack the Jewish ghetto, it soon becomes apparent, from the questions he asks about himself, and his place in the world, that whatever the motives involved, bringing him to life was a dangerous undertaking, and an awesome responsibility. show more When the emperor, finally convinced of the Jews' innocence, and intimidated by the power of the golem, extends his protection to Prague's Jewish community, the rabbi, ignoring his creation's pleas for life, returns him to clay.

Awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1997, this outstanding picture-book pairs a powerful retelling of the Jewish folktale of the Golem of Prague with brilliantly detailed cut-paper artwork. The language used by Wisniewski is mature, as are the themes of the story itself, making Golem a picture-book better suited for slightly older children. I appreciated the fact that the narrative did not skip over the moral complexity of the golem's violence - even thought the Jews are threatened, the rabbi thinks, at one point, that the golem's violence is simply too much - or of his creation exclusively for human use. The scene in which he is returned to inert matter has a sharp poignancy that would have haunted me, I suspect, had I read this as a girl. The artwork is just as amazing as the text - dark, mesmerizing, and often quite frightening! I think Wisniewski's work in Sundiata: Lion King of Mali was superior - oddly enough, that title received no honors - but this was still superb!

All in all, an excellent picture-book retelling of this important nineteenth-century legend, one that has influenced so many subsequent literary efforts, from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to Elizabeth Knox's New Zealand fantasies, Dreamhunter and Dreamquake. Those looking for other, more extensive retellings might also want to check out Isaac Bashevis Singer's The Golem (illustrated by Uri Shulevitz), or Elie Wiesel's The Golem (illustrated by Mark Podwal). show less

Golem is the story of a legend passed down through Jewish culture for many years. The legend starts in a time when many Jews were being persecuted and in need of help from something greater than themselves. The rabbi of Prague decides to call upon the giant Golem, a creature they made from clay to help protect the Jews.
The author, David Wisniewski, pulls the reader into the story through his descriptive language and fantastic word choice. As the giant stands guard by the city protecting the Jews until the danger fades away the reader begins to wonder if bring about Golem was really a good idea. Will Golem willingly return to the ground that he came from?
Not only Wisniewski's word choice but his artwork is incredible. The paper cut show more outs used for the illustrations are so vivid and detailed. Their beauty is striking and truly shows the power that Golem holds. The beauty of the pictures mixed with their vivid power and peace holds the reader captive, as if they can't take their eyes off the page.
When the reader finally turns the page they begin to see Golem's reluctance to end his life as he nears the end of his job. The curiosity and worry builds as Golem refuses to return to the ground forcing the rabbi to action. Their confrontation full of power can be seen once again the the amazing visual and linguistic descriptions leaving the reader wanting more. show less

An amazing retelling of the Golem myth. He is a giant of clay brought to life to protect the Jews. The illustrations made from cut paper are amazing in the truest sense of the word. The closer one looks the more astounding they become. The illustrations serve the story well and convey the dark drama and tense action quite well. This book might be a little scary for younger readers/audiences. It is surprisingly sad to see Golem's desire to stay"living" when Rabbi Loew must return him to the earth. I got a little melancholy over this.

Fell in love with Wisniewski's illustrations in his book "Sundiata" and was happy to found out his "Golem" was awarded a Caldecott medal. Wonderful folktale about the Jewish people of Prague and the mythic creature of the golem, a giant made of clay summoned by a rabbi to defend his people. Cut paper illustrations are dynamic in composition, textures and color, with a lot of emotional content, pointing out author's theatrical background. I felt sorry for the Golem when he had to go back to lifeless clay after fulfilling his mission and savoring life.

I found this story to be very similar to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein in that a monster is created for one purpose and once that purpose is fulfilled its life is no longer deemed necessary. I thought the book was informational in how it discussed Judaism, but I focused and sympathized more with the Golem then the rabbi, which distracted me from the story's main theme- the righteous and pious are reward i.e. the rabbi being given the power to create the Golem in the first place. overall, interesting read but it would be too difficult a read for my young students.

Top 100 Pick because:

The straightforward, unassuming nature of the text is juxtaposed with the fantasical and layed cut paper style collage to visually portray the story. As the Golem is given life by a faithful Jewish Rabbi, the pictures give life and meaning to the non-hyperbolic tone of the words. I love the way Wisniewski uses cut paper to piece together the rich cultural and social history of the Jewish people. The images are dark and dramatic, inferring the tension and danger present in the stories narrative. I don't necessarily think the images further the story with new or hidden information. They complement what is being said, and provide a stunning representation of what the text offers, but overall do not share secret show more messages that add new meaning. That being said the text and illustrations are beautifully rendered and the Caldecott Medal is well deserved. I also love the way the Golem is depicted. Even though the illustrations are collages, the Golem is given expressions and human emotions that makes the reader sympathize with him and his desire to live.
Finally, Wisniewski adds a one page note at the end of the book, providing extra historical and cultural context that invites readers to further explore the true story behind this one.
**Stories that discuss history, culture, religion and other social themes really make me feel invested. show less