The world famous legend of the Golem, told by Mirjam Pressler in new words – very alarming.

Golem, Quiet Brother

Mirjam Pressler

Golem, Quiet Brother

A novel

1st ed. published 2011. 384 pages From the age of 14 years up All rights available

Golem, Quiet Brother

A novel

Prague around 1600 - according to the legend, Rabbi Loew created an artificial human out of mud – the Golem, who was to protect the Jews in the ghetto from harm. The 15-year-old narrator of the story, Jankel, develops a special relationship to the Golem that ends dramatically. A great historic novel that deals with human impudence, which also draws on the fascination of the awe of eerie circumstances. At the same time, it is an introduction to the Jewish religion, which is rich in legends and myths.

Jankel, age 15, now lives with his great uncle, the famous Rabbi Loew in Prague, the Golden City. He has just started to work, for Mendel, the baker. And for the first time he has found a real friend, the apprentice Schmulik, who wants to be a storyteller when he grows up. Everything would be good if it weren’t for the mysterious man living in the attic. Josef is a servant in the synagogue and the ugliest, most stupid person imaginable. Everyone treats him as if he were not human – although Josef always comes to help when needed with his great strength when the Jews are threatened by the rabble-rousing Christian citizens. Jankel one day learns that Josef is a Golem, an artificial human that Rabbi Loew made out of mud and brought to life by speaking Cabbalistic magic incantations to protect the Jewish community from harm. When the Jews are suspected of committing a murder, Rabbi sends the Golem out to solve the crime. Jankel is supposed to accompany him… Although Josef is not human, Jankel cares for him. But when the Golem runs amok at the end, Jankel and Schmulik have no choice but to “turn him off”. And it will cost one of them their life…