This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic 
 It actually blows my mind a little that this is Helene Wecker's debut novel. It is an absolutely stunning and gorgeous tale that pulled me in right from the first few pages and wouldn't let go until the very end. 
 The setting for The Golem and the Jinni is absolutely perfect - Historic New York City at the end of the 19th Century is an incredible time and place. It has an old world, ancient feeling to it - as more and more cultures, with deep traditions, make a new home there. But yet it is still a new and vibrant city. There are people everywhere and always some sort of commotion. It is as if the city itself is filled with energy. These two different versions of NYC combined give a very magical quality to the story. The blending of the old with the new to create something previously unthinkable. 
 Within the larger setting of New York there are two smaller worlds that our characters abide within. The more impoverished Jewish area - where the Golem, Chava resides. And a place called "Little Syria" where the Jinni, Ahmad, is released from his prison. I loved the blending of Jewish and Islamic cultures throughout this story. Both religions share some common roots, but are distinct. I think Wecker does an excellent job approaching the more mystical elements of these theologies and cultures without making them seem silly or simply superstitious There is nothing I hate more than when writer's depict religious traditions (whether in the present or historical fiction) and only serve to make them look foolish. Thankfully Wecker treats both traditions with the respect they deserve. 
 Small confession - Before I started reading I thought this was the story of two characters, the Golem and the Jinni. But it is actually the interwoven tale of many. I liked the way Helene Wecker blended them all together. One perspective would bleed into another as if it were the most natural thing in the world. They truly felt as though they were one whole - one story. As opposed to books like Game of Thrones where everything is interconnected but the different points of view seem so separate and disconnected from one another. As if you were reading a series of stories that happen to intersect at some points. The Golem and the Jinni is an ensemble piece. Each character needs one another is order to continue on. 
 Of all the characters however I think the Golem was my favourite. I liked the Jinni too but Chava seemed to experience more growth throughout the course of the novel and struggled with more interesting (to me) dilemmas For example, wanting to please everyone or trying to maintain your independence in a sea of others. As opposed to the Jinni's need to learn responsibility and to become less selfish. Both are fascinating and I think different people will be drawn to one or the other depending on what mood they're in or what themes/ideas interest them. 
 Recommendation: The Golem and the Jinni is one of those beautiful books that only come around every so often. I think I could talk forever about this book but only scratch the surface of why it's wonderful. If you love rich, detailed, thematic writing with a touch of fantasy and mysticism thrown in The Golem and the Jinni is absolutely the book for you.