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." ( )

I really tried to get into this book. I read a good share and felt the writer had promise, but I did not engage with any of the characters and got quite confused about what was happening. Perhaps others can make sense of this strange tale. It was not for me. ( )

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.

Pass on this book. The characters are difficult to relate to. The author knows how to write, but he seems to not offer a through theological interpretation. This book is not for one who would like to stay awake. ( )

Yerachmiel Ben-Yishye begins Haazinu with a group therapy session to establish the relationship between the main characters. Since the story is about a spiritual search, as much as a religious search, the beginning is appropriate. If you have a thin skin, you may be offended by driving opinion, the Jews deserved what has happened to them through history, but when the religious aspects of the story are brought into play, this opinion is put into context and is not as prejudicial as it might first appear.

The book relies heavily on Biblical quotes and references to riddles and questions posed by the Torah. I am not enough of a Talmudic scholar to appreciate all the references, but some, like where exactly was Cain banished to, are readily understandable. If you are not a Scholar, I suggest you just go with the story line: it will take you on quite a journey.

The author’s gift with writing dialog helps move the story along and hooks you into the storyline. Often I felt I was eavesdropping on real conversation. As expected from the opening sequence, there is a lot of deep psychological explanation and a lot of soul barring throughout. I did get lost during my journey with the characters and many times, I had to put the book down and consider what I’d just read before resuming my journey. I was grateful for the Author’s Notes at the end. They filled in many points I otherwise would have missed.

I am almost at a loss on how to rate this book as it is definitely a niche publication. Those closely clinging to a philosophy contrary to the author’s expressed views may have a lot of trouble with this book. If you have an open mind, it is worth exploring the journey and considering what has been offered. If you are too closely aligned with the author’s thoughts, you may respond to the story but since you already got the message, it will not be that climactic for you. In the end, I’m going just above middle ground for Haazinu with three and a half stars: the journey is enjoyable, but the real message is not clearly conveyed. ( )