The Chosen

by Chaim Potok
The Chosen cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 7972
  • Added: 2025-12-19
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780812415339
  • Publisher: Perfection Learning
  • Published: 1977-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Chosen explores the deep and complex friendship between two Jewish boys, Reuven and Danny, in post-World War II New York. Their bond is tested by cultural differences, religious beliefs, and personal struggles, offering a profound look into their lives and the world around them. /n/n This novel is not just a story of friendship but also a reflection on faith, tradition, and the search for identity. It delves into the nuances of Jewish life and the impact of historical events on personal beliefs, making it a rich and thought-provoking read.

Reviews
Reddit - Judaism · u/1gu4vum · 2025-12-19
awesome 4.50

The book is awesome and profound, offering insight into Judaism and history. It is a touching and intense story that leaves a lasting impact.

A Reddit user shares their experience reading 'The Chosen,' describing it as an awesome and profound book. They appreciate the novel's ability to provide insight into Judaism and historical events, making it an enlightening read. The reviewer finds the story particularly touching and intense, noting its emotional depth and impact. The user also highlights the book's ability to leave a lasting impression, making it a memorable and valuable read. The exploration of cultural and religious themes is particularly noteworthy, offering a rich and engaging narrative.

Quick quotes

    The book is awesome and profound, offering insight into Judaism and history.

    It is a touching and intense story that leaves a lasting impact.

    The exploration of cultural and religious themes is particularly noteworthy.

Tablet Magazine · 2025-12-19
profound 4.50

The book delves deeply into the complexities of Jewish life and faith, offering a profound exploration of cultural and religious identities. It highlights the enduring impact of friendship and the struggles of reconciling tradition with modernity.

This review reflects on the timeless themes of 'The Chosen,' particularly the intricate dynamics between the characters and their communities. The reviewer appreciates the nuanced portrayal of Jewish life, noting how the novel captures the essence of tradition and change. The story's emotional depth and historical context make it a compelling read. The reviewer also highlights the significance of the friendship between the two main characters, which serves as a central theme. The exploration of faith and identity is particularly noteworthy, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and religious insights.

Quick quotes

    The novel captures the essence of tradition and change.

    The story's emotional depth and historical context make it a compelling read.

    The friendship between the two main characters is a central theme.

The New York Times · 2016-11-18
profound 4.75

The novel is a select few that captures the intense and complicated friendship between two Jewish boys in 1940s Brooklyn, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and personal growth.

This review from The New York Times celebrates 'The Chosen' as one of the select few novels that truly capture the complexities of friendship and cultural identity. The reviewer highlights the intense and complicated relationship between the two main characters, set against the backdrop of 1940s Brooklyn. The story is praised for its rich tapestry of cultural and personal growth, offering a profound exploration of faith, tradition, and the bonds that connect us. The reviewer also notes the enduring relevance of the novel, which continues to resonate with readers decades after its publication.

Quick quotes

    Chaim Potok's 'The Chosen' is one of a select few that captures the intense, complicated friendship.

    The story is praised for its rich tapestry of cultural and personal growth.

    The novel continues to resonate with readers decades after its publication.

Hope Is the Word · Hope · 2009-06-10
touching 4.00

The book is a great story that doesn't need additional praise, but it's worth reflecting on its themes. It offers a touching and intense narrative that provides insight into Judaism and history.

Hope from 'Hope Is the Word' shares her thoughts on 'The Chosen,' acknowledging that the book is already widely recognized as a great story. She appreciates the novel's ability to provide a deep and moving narrative that goes beyond mere entertainment. The reviewer finds the book particularly insightful, offering a unique perspective on Judaism and historical events. The emotional depth and intensity of the story are highlighted, making it a memorable read. Hope also notes the book's ability to touch the heart and provoke thought, making it a valuable addition to any reader's collection.

Quick quotes

    The book is already widely recognized as a great story.

    The novel's ability to provide a deep and moving narrative is appreciated.

    The emotional depth and intensity of the story are highlighted.

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