It is possibly the most frustrating, infuriating book I have read so far in my short life span of thirteen.
Synopsis
Basically, it's about a Hasidic Jew community in Brooklyn. There's this boy, his name is Asher Lev (no way), and he is a natural artist - he has incredible artistic talent. Ever since he was a small boy, he has had that talent. However, his parents sorta look down on it, because drawing and art are not highly valued in the community. His mother is more accommodating, though, she tries to understand him and stuff. But his father just won't accept this. The father works for the head of the community, the Rebbe. He (the father) travels to various places on Europe for the Rebbe. He (the father again) is a highly respected man in the community. To have a failing son (yes, he abandons his studies to draw) is a disgrace.
Time goes on, and eventually the Rebbe suggests Asher become a full-fledged artist, since there's no where else for him to go. His father is deeply ashamed, but Asher goes to learn about art stuff anyway.
Yadda yadda yadda, Asher learns about art and more stuff, and eventually he paints a crucifixion of his mother. Let me remind you - he's Jewish. Anyway, the picture shows his mother, being torn between him and his father, since she tried to devote herself to both of them. At an art show, his parents see the crucifixion and promptly leave. Asher's mother is very, "How could you do this?!" and Asher's father is very, "*indistinct muttering* *face turning red* ROAR!". The Rebbe schedules a meeting with Asher and pretty much tells him that he crossed the line painting this crucifixion, and he has to go. So Asher gets kicked out *good riddance*
Now, you may think that this sounds like a relatively interesting book. Let me tell you - it's actually not that bad of a book, it's written well.
Somewhere in the middle of this synopsis I neglected to tell you that when Asher draws, he completely abandons all studies. He doesn't study at all. This upsets his parents, specifically his father, who is extremely hurt by Asher's obstinacy to not study and to continue his drawing. This is the part that makes me want to hit the book against something - the fact that Asher's so selfish that he doesn't care that his parents are extremely hurt, that his mother cries, that his mother and father fight a lot, etc. He doesn't give a poo. He just draws, and ignores people when they talk to him about his grades, he's just like,"Hmm...if I were to draw [insert person who's talking to him]'s face, what colors would I use? Oh, the shading there is hard....hmm.." It's extremely aggravating that he's so FREAKING SELFISH!! He definitely has a lot of Only Child Syndrome.
BOOK. TICKS. ME. OFF.
Other people might like it, because it's demonstrating how Asher is 'breaking free of his restrictive shell and following his passion', and yeah, I can see how you'd like it. When Asher grows up, he matures and becomes less selfish. But still, I really don't like it. Finishing the book was so tedious, as tedious as reading a dictionary. That repeats a word over and over again.
Done.
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