The Book of Splendor: A Novel
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By: Frances Sherwood
"The Book of Splendor" is a historical novel about the most unlikely of lovers, interwoven with the mysticism of the Jewish occult, and replete with the political tension and court intrigue of 17th century Prague.
AI Overview
"The Book of Splendor: A Novel" by Frances Sherwood is a historical fantasy set in early seventeenth-century Prague. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Plot Summary
The novel interweaves the lives of several characters, including Rochel, a Jewish seamstress trapped in a passionless marriage, Rabbi Judah Loew, and a mad emperor obsessed with immortality. The story revolves around the creation of a golem by Rabbi Loew to protect the Jewish community from Christian attacks. Rochel and the golem form a bond, leading to an affair with disastrous consequences. The rabbi and a few British alchemists are also involved in helping the emperor discover the secret of immortality, adding to the complex and fantastical narrative.
Key Themes
- Jewish-Christian Relations: The novel explores the precarious existence of Jews in Prague during the 17th century, highlighting their limited rights and the tensions between Jewish and Christian communities.
- Social Limitations: The characters of Rochel and the golem serve as symbols of social limitations. Rochel is a woman in a patriarchal society, while the golem is a seemingly subhuman giant in a world of men. Their bond underscores the shared experiences of being marginalized.
- Human Creative Power: The novel delves into the Faustian overtones of human creative power, exploring the extents and limits of what humans can achieve through their imagination and actions.
Critical Reception
- Rich Historical Detail: The book is praised for its vivid historical detail, which immerses readers in the world of 17th-century Prague.
- Imaginative and Dreamlike: Critics describe "The Book of Splendor" as an out-of-the-ordinary, dreamlike tale that is beautifully rendered and imaginatively rooted in Jewish mystical tradition and indigenous European fable and folklore.
- Major Themes: Kirkus Reviews highlights the novel's exploration of Jewish-Christian relations and its rich historical context.
Overall, "The Book of Splendor" is a complex and imaginative novel that combines historical detail with fantastical elements, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and Jewish mysticism.