My Name Is Asher Lev (1972)

This was a very well written book with just enough information. The passions of the characters were very extreme, but they were portrayed in a way so that I could empathize with them. The subjects of the paintings fit in beautifully with the Asher's dilemmas. ( )

I loved this tale narrated by Asher Lev. He tells the reader of his childhood in Brooklyn, New York as the son of fundamentalist Jew. Asher doesn't quite fit the mould. He shows amazing talent as an artist from a young age and struggles with the traditional teaching methods. These days he would probably be diagnosed as being on the Asperger's / autism spectrum. His father works for the Rebbe the leader of the sect and travels widely setting up new groups throughout the United States and Europe. His mother suffers a breakdown following the sudden death of her brother and when Asher refuses to move to Europe with his parents, she remains in Brooklyn with him. She suffers bouts of anxiety. Meanwhile, when Asher's talent is recognized, the Rebbe approves him having lessons and guidance from a non-practising Jewish acquaintance, provided he continues to abide by and respect the laws of the Ladover Jews. However the study of art history leads him into knowledge of the gentile view of the world. Will he remain loyal to his sect or his artistic talent and risk losing his family's love and trust? ( )

Classic novel of NY Hassidic Jewish boy who wants to be an artist but it conflicts with his family values. I enjoyed all the religious detail and the struggle that was central to the story ( )

There are so many good things to say about this book. Other reviewers have mentioned many of them. To paraphrase the author, "Someone once said that there are things about which one ought to write a great deal or nothing at all. About this book, I choose to write nothing at all." ( )

A wonderful novel on so many levels. The writing is fine and vivid. You can feel what it is like living in that family, in that community. Every character has depth.

I learnt about Judaism, art and art criticism. I learnt about the problems art can create in such an environment. I understood better the power some art can have.

Even some of the finest art historians can struggle to describe for you the image they can see, but I saw all Asher Lev's paintings, even though he rarely offered up the colours.

This 320 pages are epic.

I am looking forward to the sequel landing on the mat.

A 5* book so early in the year! ( )