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My Name Is Asher Lev
My Name Is Asher Lev
Author: Chaim Potok
Here is the original, deeply moving story of Asher Lev, the religious boy with an overwhelming need to draw, to paint, to render the world he knows and the pain he feels, on canvas for everyone to see. A loner, Asher has an extraordinary God-given gift that possesses a spirit all its own. It is this force that he must learn to master without sha...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780449911686
ISBN-10: 0449911683
Publication Date: 8/27/1996
Pages: 384
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 20

4.2 stars, based on 20 ratings
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

sla506 avatar reviewed My Name Is Asher Lev on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is the second novel that I have read by Chaim Potok, and again, it is one of the best novels I have read in quite some time. The reader is immediately drawn into the lives of the Lev family. Potok's writing is emotional, and I felt instantly connected with the main character, Asher. The reader can easily sense his frustrations and pain. One of my favorite aspects of the novel was that the main character's life centered around art. Throughout the whole novel, I wanted him to triumph in this area. I also connected with Asher's struggle between his religion and his passion. It was truly a moving novel, and I am ready to read more of Potok's work.
kristinkoffel avatar reviewed My Name Is Asher Lev on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This simple, straight-forward prose is reminiscent of how the average person's stream of consciousness truly flows; sometimes with no real destination, but a clear intent, beautifully navigating the pain caused by a soul divided. Torn between fulfilling one's duties to faith and family, and accepting that which defines us from within instead of how the outside world would make us, Asher Lev is an incredibly tortured character who attempts to exist in two worlds at odds. This is one of my all-time favorite novels, and a must-read for anyone who has ever had to make a choice between the traditional norm, and the yearning for something truly great.
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reviewed My Name Is Asher Lev on + 4 more book reviews
Chaim Potok is a master of creating poetry in his writing. The characters are well developed and especially Asher and his pursuance of his gift in such defiance of what he has been taught about who he is or should be. The language is so clear that we hear and see and understand every element. Bravo!
reviewed My Name Is Asher Lev on + 101 more book reviews
A novel of finely articulated tragic power.
reviewed My Name Is Asher Lev on + 8 more book reviews
This is a classic -- a must-read for everyone.


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