Davita's Harp

Rating:
Summary: A girl's amazing coming of age story
Review: For all of those readers who cherish coming-of-age stories, this is definitely the book for you!

Ilana Davita Chandal, the protagonist of Davita's Harp, grows up under the shadow of the Depression in various neighborhoods in New York City in the 1940s and early 1950s.

The only child of two radicals, Davita learns quickly about politics and the importance of social activism. Yet, at the same time, Davita's fiercely principled ideals stand the test of time when multiple tragedies touch her family.

Ultimately, however, Davita does find a way to begin again and dream big dreams.

Memorable, amazingly symbolic characters include the writer Jakob Daw, the nurse missionary Aunt Sarah, and the heroic journalist, Ilana's father Michael Chandal.

The power of Potok's work lies not only in its simple charm and complex reality, but also for its univeral appeal to each and every reader. That is to say, everyone regardless of religion, culture, race or gender can find something from Davita Chandal's life that speaks to them.

This book is amazing!

Rating:
Summary: Praise for Davita's Harp
Review: If you enjoy delving into wonderfully crafted stories, Potok's "Davita's Harp" will not
leave you disappointed.

Potok touches on war, confusion, passion, community, justice, faith, family, politics,
death, grief, and life--all the essentials of an existential masterpiece! What makes the
book so enjoyable is that it is written from the perspective of a young girl who
experiences life's disappointments and joys, usually, for the first time. Potok invites
readers into Davita's life and subtly asks us to reflect on life's experiences we ourselves
have lived. The insightful reader will grab Potok's bait and give thoughtful consideration
to life's twists and turns and reexamine ideas and relationships that all to often lack
serious attention and effort. May Potok's portrayal of Davita's inquisitive life place you
in a position to reexamine yours.

Rating:
Summary: An engaging and beautifully written novel
Review: Most critics that I've read often say that Davita's Harp is good, but not Potok's best. However, this has turned out to be my favorite of his novels, and definitely one of my favorite novels, period. It's beautifully written, with a sensitivity and bittersweet-ness that only Potok can create. Though it's definitely scholarly with a lot of dense subject matter, Potok doesn't make it over our heads. He was the kind of writer that seeks to make us understand without preaching, rather than to show us how much he knew, and the result is a lyrically written, wonderful story of the joys, sorrows, and trials of the human spirit