Yerachmiel ben-Yishye

Review based on ARC.

This is an intellectually stimulating novel exploring religious beliefs and personal philosophies. I have read that some readers have been offended or confused, but I found that if you take the novel as it is presented, and do not impose your own or society's expectations on it, it was an enjoyable read.

It explores several aspects of the jewish faith, of which I have limited exposure, purportedly through a group therapy session for the terminally ill. The interweaving relationships of the men in the therapy group, combined with the riddle they ultimately attempt to solve keeps the novel engaging and the reader thinking.

As usual, I do not wish to spoil any of what the reader will discover, but I recommend to someone who is open minded about religious and philosophical beliefs and who is looking for a "thinker."… (más)

Yerachmiel Ben-Yishye writes Haazinu starting with a group therapy session that begins the relationship between the main characters. The story is about a spiritual search, and a religious search. At first I may have been offended by the stories opinion, that the Jews deserved what has happened to them through history due their straying from strictly following what God had dictated to them, but when the religious aspects of the story are expanded upon this feeling was put to rest and made clearer what the author was seeking to establish.
The book uses many Biblical quotes and references to questions posed by the Torah. I am not a Talmudic scholar to appreciate all this from my blend of secular and religious upbringings, but some, like where exactly was Cain banished to by God, are made much more understandable.
The author's writing helps keep the story moving along and keeps you reading the book. From the opening part of the story, there are a lot of deep and intense feelings from with the soul. I did get confused at times during my reading with the characters and I was grateful for the author's notes at the end of the book. If you have an open mind, this book is worth exploring and considering what ideas have been offered. I may decide to read it again as the author suggests and continue on with future writings being introduced and I would like to see where this ends up.… (más)