'The Chosen' by Chaim Potok

Another second reading for me and well worthy of it. I read this book for a college course 10 years ago. The aim of the class was to provide the student with a more worldly view. I understand why the book was part of the syllabus. Starting with a baseball matchup of epic proportions we meet our protagonists Rueven Malter and Danny Saunders, sons of Rabbis in opposing sects of Judaism. These clashing systems of religious ideal give the game great importance for both sides. The game ends with
Saunder's team the victors and Rueven on the sidelines with part of his glasses imbedded in his eyeball.

The events of that ball game set up the inevitable character changes we witness as the two once rivals become close friends. The story follows not only the boys but their fathers as a great atrocity is taking place in the world. In the buildup to the Americans entering Europe, the subsequent years of fighting and, finally, the revelation that Jews have been murdered in the millions with nothing done to intercede when there was time we see the differing religious views grow more and more firmly opposite. When the question comes about regarding a Jewish state, these views are vehemently contrarian.

Through out it all we experience the boys growing and gaining certainty in what they will do with their beliefs and their lives. Danny is expected to take over his father's flock and Rueven's father wants him to do something in the mathmatics field. As they are educated and gain experiences they seem to switch roles with Danny desiring to become a psychologist and Rueven feeling called to become a Rabbi.

This book contains many other themes but the way boys become men, assert their own wishes and the enduring, unshakeable love of fathers remain the central themes in my opinion. It was revelatory for the reader and characters alike to see the strength of the bonds we form in this world, both friendship and father-son.

I have always intended to look into more Potok writings and this novel has reaffirmed my belief that I would enjoy anything that has come from his pen.