Book of Splendor Book

Jews in 1601 Prague? If this sounds like a historical novel to you think again. Sherwood begins this novel as a historical novel and then weaves in a touch of fantasy, some spiritual food for thought, some historical data, and finally as story that is educational while it is entertaining the reader. In other words, this novel is a magnificent blend of fact, fiction, and culture. It is fascinating to read the Jewish culture, the eccentric rulers, the clever charlatan, the plight of the peasants, the joy of the rich, all thrown together in one exciting story.

When a plot to destroy the Jews grows, the Rabbi constructs a 7 foot Golem to serve as a protector for the Jews in their ghetto. Meanwhile, the Emperor becomes convinced that the Jews have the secret to eternal life but are refusing to share it. Rochel, a half-Jewish girl is given in marriage to an older shoemaker, and promptly finds married life a drudgery and then she finds herself curious about the Golem-- can a an outcast orpahn girl and a Golem find happiness in the Ghetto...

Sherwood does an excellent job giving life to historical characters, creating a few fictional characters, and then blending them together. The culture is so interesting and engrossing, the attitude of the ruling class so realistic-- the novel works.

It just works. It interests and educates and leaves the reader feeling that he has read something of value.

One minor quibble was the poetry.. since the poetry would have been in a non-English language it would not have rhymed. The realism factor was briefly dimmed by several poetic sections.. But, note, I said that this was a minor quibble,h