The Chosen

This book provides a fascinating glimpse of Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish culture but is also a griping story about friendship between two boys as they grow to adulthood. And the narrator does a fantastic job, making it fascinating to listen to, more so than reading the book in print. I wish the sequel to this (The Promise) was also available in audio form by the same narrator but unfortunately it is not.

This listen managed to combine my two favorite types of lit - realistic depiction of another period (especially its social history) and reflection on faith in a troubled world.

I listened to this shortly after the more contemporary "Foreskin's Lament" and "Disobedience" -- and although I enjoyed those two (each in their own way)-- oh, how I wish I had listened to this first!

In addition to a beautiful "coming of age" portrait of two young Americans in the WWII/post war era, what a compassionate depiction of Jewish faith coming to terms with modernism! As other reviews point out, the novel portrays universal truths while giving outsiders to the Jewish faith a glimpse of its richness and diversity in the story's specifics. There are enough symbolism and imagery to satisfy a reader/listener without the literary complexity that demands much effort to digest.

I thank the reviewer who named Potok's follow-up novel, but since that is not on Audible (yet), I think as a follow-up, I will re-listen to Doctorow's "City of God" and hope for a re-release of "The Promise."

Chaim Potok is an excellent novelist. The book depicts two very different father/son relationships and explores a deep friendship between two young men. It provides an accurate glimpse of Orthodox and Hassidic Jewish life and provides perspective on Judaism in post WWII America.

This story follows a delicate friendship of two Jewish lads, David & Ruven, their fathers and their different Jewish faiths (one Hassidic, the other not). There are few characters to keep up with but the last chapter is so moving, about understanding your children, not necessarily liking it, but loving them. I wish I would have read this years ago, perhaps my own angst with my children would not have been so dividing.

Memorable

The last scene where Danny's father finally speaks to him.

Excellent narrator

Both boys and both father's are equally memorable for the contrapuntal roles that they play which illuminates and give dimension to the other character.

This is a modern day classic. A wonderful story, well told, and well narrated, with a great "punch" ending.

I first read The Chosen as a teenager. I loved it then. Listening to it now, 40 years later after raising children of my own, it had even more meaning to me. Jonathan Davis does a terrific job with the narration. The story of two Jewish boys in NYC at the close of WWII and the birth of the state of Israel is a compelling narrative of friendship, family and culture, with world politics woven in. The passage of time since the book was first published has only served to underscore its importance.

I must have missed the profanity spoke of previously. I don't recall any at all. This book about two boys coming of age and dealing with their beliefs was very good. It kept my interest from start to finish which is rare for me. I actually come back to see what else is recommended on this page.

Highly recommended.

I would listen again because this story was so much about being a real friend. The boys grown up in different backgrounds with similar religion but differing perspectives. I loved their sides and as they grew into men, how they changed and how they stayed the same.

Good friends are rare. They love us for the person we are and this story shows how two boys who have been separated through religious teachings have grown together and grown up.

Compassionate friendship with differences is what this book is about. I loved it!

I have not listened to other performances by Jonathan Davis but his voice is sweet and melodious. I really felt these characters more through his voice.

I really tried to get back as soon as I could because I hated putting my player down! It was a great performance and I really enjoyed it.

Near the top. Realizing how much of a gift it was to be raised in a family with multi religious beliefs this was a fresh look at how overwhelming it must be for some families to only allow one view of religious beliefs. What a challenging gift is must have been for my family to allow me to search out my own personal relationship with religion.

At the dinner where both boys were put through a test.

Danny's dad and how he promoted free thinking and tolerance in his son.

I hope when people read this book they are inspired to look at all walks of life with an open mind. That is what this book did for me.

Enjoyed this again 40 years after I first read it. I can still see my dog eared paperback in my mind's eye. It was and is still an interesting read from a time, place and culture totally foreign to me. I found I had a lot more empathy for Danny's father this time around