GOLEMCRAFTERS

Author Emi Watanabe Cohen narrates her second novel, a story of Jewish identity and magic. When Faye's estranged Jewish grandfather sends her older brother a lump of clay for his bar mitzvah, the gift propels the two kids into an adventure in Jewish history and culture. Listeners will assume that this is a conventional middle-grade fantasy, but it turns complex and dark about halfway through. Up to this point, Cohen's narration is competent but relatively free of affect, lending the story none of its wonder. But with the turn of events, her voice fills with emotion, and listeners will be caught up as Faye finds her place in a tradition of suffering and rootlessness, ferocity and resilience. Patient listeners will be richly rewarded. V.S. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2025]