55 pages • 1 hour read
Chaim PotokThe Chosen
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1967A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Chosen by Chaim Potok, published in 1967, follows the friendship of two Jewish teens, Reuven and Danny, in 1940s Brooklyn. Danny, expected to inherit his father's role as a Hasidic leader, grapples with his desire to become a psychologist, diverging from his traditional upbringing. Themes include the complexities of Jewish identity, father-son relationships, and the pursuit of knowledge. The book addresses traumas linked to the Holocaust and a father-son relationship that appears psychologically abusive.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Chaim Potok's The Chosen is widely praised for its deep exploration of friendship, faith, and cultural identity against the backdrop of 1940s Brooklyn. Critics commend its rich character development and insightful portrayal of the Jewish experience. Some, however, find its pacing slow and narrative somewhat didactic. Overall, it's a compelling, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Chosen?
Readers who enjoy deep, character-driven narratives about friendship, ethical dilemmas, and cultural identity will find The Chosen by Chaim Potok intriguing. Fans of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye and Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn will appreciate the exploration of personal growth and family dynamics.