The Slave: Amazon.ca: Isaac Bashevis Singer, I.B. Singer, C. Hemley: Books

Product Description

From AudioFile

Isaac Bashevis Singer wrote with passion about Jews and their struggles in Europe. In THE SLAVE, Singer tells the story of Jacob, enslaved following a 1648 Polish uprising, and Wanda, a Christian with whom he falls in love. After being freed, Jacob returns to marry Wanda, and they face a life of complications created by their "unthinkable" union. The use of two readers is ideal. David Chandler and Tracy Sallows are flawless as they infuse the characters with intensity and conviction that seem to derive directly from Singer. Chandler provides Jacob with the ideal mix of indignation and righteousness, whether he endures scorn, accepts reverence for his knowledge, or suffers from tragedy. THE SLAVE demonstrates why Singer was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. D.J.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Book Description

Isaac Bashevis Singer's famous and never-before-recorded novel about a passionate, forbidden love affair between Jew and Gentile in 17th century Poland. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

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Customer Reviews

6 Reviews

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4 star:		(1)
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Average Customer Review

4.8 out of 5 stars (6 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars a treasure, Mar 20 2001

By	suzzinclaremont "suzzinclaremont" (Claremont, CA United States) - See all my reviews

A wonderfully-written story of spiritual and romantic love.

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5.0 out of 5 stars grat recomendation, Jul 30 2000

By	Alexander Moller (Australia) - See all my reviews

this book is the greatest book ive ever read. it is a powerfull love story set against the exotic background of seventeenth century poland. the slave has such a strong, compelling story to tell that its appeal is both contemporary and universal.... "it's a beautiful story"

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5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking and deep - wow, Mar 31 2000

By	"nmurat" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

The Slave by Nobel prize winner Isaac Bashevis Singer is probably one of the most profound books I ever read. Yep, no kidding.

The Slave is basically the story of a Jew man stranded somewhere in 18th century Poland by the diaspora. On his own living in a Christian village, our protagonist desperately tries to hold on to his religion by reciting psalms and performing all the rituals to the letter so as to not forget them and offend god. He says that the only way someone could tell he was a Jew was his circumcision - he had none of the garments, scriptures and objects that could point that out. He even would engrave on a stone all that he could remember from the Holy books.

He eventually leaves the village and runs across a number of people of different backgrounds and meets and falls in love with a gentile women. He takes her with him in search of his people and eventually runs into a very "proper" Jewish community. They did everything "by the book", showing immense respect and doing all the right things to be "good". But he soon realizes that so many people were filled with hypocrisy, spite, and deception that you wouldn't expect from such "quality" folk. Of course, he must hide the true former religion (she converts for him) of his wife for it was nearly impossible to convert in those days. And while she is the kindest person, she is soon despised by the community... So even though these people looked perfect on the outside were not nearly as good to the higher being that they supposedly worshipped while the woman that had nothing to do with the community was the kindest person.

Singer, who writes in Yiddish and then supervises the translation, writes a very powerful book that really transcends religion. One might think that this is very "Jewish". Sure it is, but that's not the point. It will make many people look at themselves and make them realize that doing everything "by the book", whether it be religion or just life, doesn't mean that you are inherently a good person. The Slave is a fantastic novel that is fantastically written that I highly recommend.

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Most recent customer reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent detailed descriptions of dreadful feudal Poland
Book club loved it. We laughed. We cried. So glad we didn't live in 18th century Poland as poor people. Read more

Published on Jan 11 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible story of faith during a murderous time
An incredible story of faith and love during a very murderous time in history. The protagonist questions the existence of a God and yet holds on to his faith.

Published on Oct 25 1998

5.0 out of 5 stars The Slave: Or Love's Firm Hold
A most beautiful, elegant protrayal of life in a time long past when the heart and soul was held in great esteem. Read more

Published on Aug 27 1998 by jlurie@echonyc.com