THE CHOSEN

First published in 1967, THE CHOSEN explores the relationship between two Jewish fathers and their sons, caught in a world in flux. In post-WWII Brooklyn, amid emerging Holocaust stories, the paths of the two boys cross in a violent episode that leaves one of them partially blinded and the other deeply remorseful. As friendship grows between them, both begin to see the world with new eyes. Jonathan Davis's performance reinforces Potok's assertion that Judaism leaves room for many interpretations, including orthodoxy and intellectualism, Pacifism and Zionism, each in its own way affirming the power of faith and reason. Davis reads intelligently, providing just enough touches of ambiguity to offer listeners an opportunity for discussion and debate, not unlike the Talmudic tradition. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 03]