The Hidden Palace: A Novel of the Golem and the Jinni

In the historical epic The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker, Chava and Ahmad, two magical beings, navigate the challenges of a changing human world while hiding their true identities. They are brought together under calamitous circumstances and must find their places in the world while remaining true to each other. The novel spans the years from the turn of the twentieth century to the beginning of World War I, following various characters as they collide and interleave.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

In this captivating historical epic, set in the vibrant city of New York and the captivating Middle East in the years leading up to World War I, Helene Wecker returns to her beloved characters, Chava and Ahmad, as they face unforeseen challenges in a rapidly evolving human world.

Chava, a golem, a woman crafted from clay, possesses the remarkable ability to hear the innermost thoughts and desires of those around her, driven by an innate desire to aid them. Ahmad, on the other hand, is a jinni, a restless creature of fire, once free to roam the vast desert but now confined in the form of a man. Fearful of being exposed as monsters, these magical beings conceal their true identities and strive to blend in as ordinary humans, just two more immigrants in the bustling world of 1900s Manhattan. Fate brings them together under tragic circumstances, intertwining their lives in ways they never could have imagined.

Both Chava and Ahmad have left an indelible mark on the lives of those around them. Sophia Winston, a wealthy heiress from Park Avenue, finds herself captivated by Ahmad's enigmatic presence after a brief encounter leaves her with a peculiar illness that causes her to shiver with cold. Determined to find a cure, Sophia embarks on a journey to the Middle East, where she encounters Dima, a fierce female jinni who has been exiled from her tribe. Meanwhile, in a tenement on the Lower East Side, a young girl named Kreindel assists her rabbi father in constructing a golem they name Yossele, unaware that she is soon to be sent to an orphanage uptown.

As the story unfolds, Chava and Ahmad navigate the complexities of their relationships, both with each other and with the people they encounter. Sophia and Dima form an unlikely bond, while Kreindel discovers the true nature of Yossele and the power that lies within her. Through their struggles and triumphs, Chava and Ahmad learn to embrace their unique abilities and use them to make a difference in the world around them.

"The Golem and the Jinni" is a masterful tale of loneliness, love, and the unwavering pursuit of hope. It explores the depths of human emotions and the power of magic, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light to guide us forward. With its rich and intricate narrative, this novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story that transports readers to another time and place.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 134 x 204 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062468727