The Chosen, by Chaim Potok, a novel regarding two young men, Reuven Malter and Daniel Saunders, who meet after a harsh first encounter in Brooklyn, New York. The story is told through the eyes of Reuven Malter, around the time of the Second World War. The boys were raised extremely different. These differences did not keep them from creating a genuine friendship. The books main claim is true friendship and how good friendships help us succeed.
Potok starts off with a softball game where two teams with different beliefs go head to head. The game does not end very well. Reuven gets hit by Danny and is rushed to the hospital. The two boys finally formally meet, they realized that they had been living only five blocks from each other. This is where the main theme is introduced, friendship. Although the boys fathers had very different views they both approved and encouraged the friendship. Mr. Malter was the one who motivated Reuven to befriend Danny. He proved his loyalty by not revealing that he was recommending books to Danny at the library behind his father’s back to anyone not even –his son. Reb Saunders invited Reuven over to his home and the synagogue to practice the Talmud. This was his way of saying he approved because it was the only way he interacted with his own son.
Another significant theme in the book is silence. Reuven learns that Danny and his father have a very strained relationship, he is being raised in silence. They only time Danny and his father have any kind of verbal interaction is when he is being tested on his knowledge and understanding of Talmud (written Jewish oral law) in front of the men in the congregation. This is done to show his worthiness when it comes to taking over as head of his fathers ¨dynasty ̈. Danny is encouraged by Reuven to speak to his father about his true aspirations.
Anyone and everyone can relate to The Chosen because everyone has at least one friend and we all have problems with our loved ones that we do not express. The book motivates you to improve on your relationships with your family members and friends. It also motivates you to pursue your dreams, at the end of the day there will always be someone for any and every job, just like in the book Danny did not want to be a rabbi but Reuven did. Having a supportive person in your life, someone like Reuven who push you to do what is best for you is truly an essential part of life. Without support we would be too afraid to go after our dreams.
The novel starts off slow and it might be a little difficult to read but after the three chapters it starts to pick up the pace. It is very eyeopening novel. The novel also has a little romance (not directly stated but it is pretty obvious). It can be considered a coming of age book because these boys are finding their paths.
A Writing Escape 