As a Driven Leaf

by Milton Steinberg
As a Driven Leaf cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 7974
  • Added: 2025-12-19
  • Updated: 2025-12-20
  • ISBN: 9780876689943
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
  • Published: 1987-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

As a Driven Leaf is a profound exploration of the internal conflict between faith and reason, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical period. The novel follows Elisha ben Abuyah, a Jewish scholar torn between his traditional beliefs and the compelling philosophies of Greece and Rome circa 70 C.E. /n/n This story delves deep into the personal and intellectual struggles of its protagonist, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and philosophical conflict. It's a narrative that challenges the reader to consider the complexities of faith and the enduring search for truth.

Reviews
Good Life Odyssey · 2025-12-20
profound 4.00

The novel explores the tension between faith and reason through the tragic story of Elisha ben Ayubah. It is a profound and thought-provoking read that delves into the complexities of belief and doubt.

This novel is a deep dive into the life of Elisha ben Ayubah, a man torn between his faith and his quest for knowledge. The reviewer finds the exploration of these themes both profound and deeply moving. The character's journey is one that resonates with anyone who has ever questioned their beliefs or struggled with the conflict between reason and faith. The tragic end of Elisha's story is a powerful commentary on the consequences of such internal conflicts.

Quick quotes

    It is a novel about Elisha ben Ayubah's exploration of faith and reason, leading to his excommunication and tragic end as he fails to resolve the questions that plague him.

    The novel is a profound and thought-provoking read that delves into the complexities of belief and doubt.

    The tragic end of Elisha's story is a powerful commentary on the consequences of such internal conflicts.

She's Probably at the Library · 2020-02-20
enjoyable 4.50

The book is complex and profound, making it a challenging but deeply enjoyable read. The messages conveyed are powerful and thought-provoking.

This reviewer finds the book to be a deeply enjoyable read, despite its complexity. The messages conveyed by Steinberg are profound and thought-provoking, making it a challenging but rewarding experience. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the themes explored and the way they are woven into the narrative. The book is not just a story but a journey into the human psyche and the eternal questions of faith and reason.

Quick quotes

    This isn't an easy book to review, as there's so much going on and Steinberg's messages are so profound.

    It's a deeply enjoyable read, one that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

    The book is not just a story but a journey into the human psyche and the eternal questions of faith and reason.

Vialogue · 2010-07-17
compelling 4.25

The novel is a historical fiction story based on the life of Elisha ben Abuya, crafted with historical records and some elaborations. It offers a rich exploration of Greek and Talmudic philosophies.

This reviewer appreciates the historical depth and philosophical richness of the novel. The story of Elisha ben Abuya is brought to life with a blend of historical records and creative elaborations. The exploration of Greek and Talmudic philosophies adds layers of complexity to the narrative, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and philosophical debates. The reviewer finds the novel to be a well-crafted piece that successfully blends history with fiction.

Quick quotes

    This is a historical fiction story of Elisha ben Abuya, based upon historical records, but pieced and crafted together by the author with some elaborations.

    The novel offers a rich exploration of Greek and Talmudic philosophies.

    It is a well-crafted piece that successfully blends history with fiction.

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