I did not know what to expect when I began to read My Name is Asher Lev. I was surprised by how immediately riveted I was by the young boys story as soon as I began to read; I had to force myself to put the novel down several nights so that I could go to sleep.
Asher has a difficult life that he seems, at times, to not be aware of. He discusses difficult situations (i.e. his mother's breakdown, the absence of his father, and the lack of support he receives from everyone in his life except for Yudel Krinsky) with an attitude like it doesn't really matter. He seems to allow a great deal roll off of his back. As I was reading I just wanted to shake the parents and tell them to wake up and realize what they were doing to their son; however, Asher played off most of these instances as if they were not important.
It is only until Asher seems to slip into almost a depression-like state that it becomes obvious that the world around him is beginning to take a toll. I thought of children that suffer abuse and pretend they are in another place or the drastic circumstances when they create multiple personalities. Asher became one of these children when he would slip in and out of consciousness with his drawing. Drawing seemed to be the only thing in his life that he could latch onto, that he could call his own. When situations became too tough or when Asher was unable to handle the stress of the world around him he would draw, sometimes these drawings would be conscious but others he was not aware.
I felt so sad for Asher when his parents, teachers, and peers would discuss his drawings as "foolishness." Asher obviously had a gift, a fact that was reiterated by everyone in his life. However, because of his religion and lifestyle he was expected to stifle this gift. As a result of the negative feedback that Asher endured, he began to feel ashamed of his drawing and would hide it and tried to stop. Eventually Asher began to rebel when he realized that there was no stopping his need or desire to create.
I am excited to continue reading and am routing for Asher that he is able to live his life to the fullest rather than live an oppressed life. My hope is that his parents (especially his father) stop being selfish and begin to want what is in the best interest of their son, rather than for their religion and reputation.
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I was surprised that I became so involved in his story so fast. I feel that Asher is severely depressed. Based on the religious values and family traditions and the time period that the story is taking place, he really isn't free to chose. I believe that his mother believes in his gift and would like for him to pursue it but she knows that's not possible. I'm glad that at the end of the reading the Rebbe granted him the ability to continue with his drawings.
In reality, religious Jews are able to persue careers in addition to their religious life. The book concerns itself with one particular group of ultra orthodox Jews who have a strict existence. There are many, many different groups of Jews with varying levels of observance.My opinion is that Asher's parents were not just dealing with orthodoxy but with current events. Asher was born a few years after W.W.ll and the Jews in America were still in shock over 6 million of their fellow Jews, many of them relatives, being murdered by the Nazis.For Asher's family, they were still trying to save the Jews in Russia being subjected to the same anti-Semitism as the European Jews.The orthodox Jews were almost completely wiped out in Europe and Eastern Europe and it was left to those in America to rebuild an entire culture. It is in that setting that Asher lived.
The thing that captures my emotions in this book is the detail that young Asher sees in his mind and his struggle to communicate this in a way that will preserve his relationship with his parents. I believe we are getting a glimse into the mind of genius.
I think the appearance of Asher not caring is his coping mechanism. Isn't it interesting how religion or sects of religions can have such different value systems than our own. It's hard to not attach our value system of parenting and nurturing children to the situation and expext for them to see through our eyes. I struggle with that too.
I also felt my heart going out to Asher throughout his struggles, and you're right, he seems to deal with everything in such a mature way. He certainly doesn't handle things the way the children today would handle them. He is certainly mature beyond his years and has an insight that helps fuel his art. I wonder if he were a child who kicked and screamed and threw a fit if it would detract from flying under the radar somewhat and allowing himself to do what he wants to do?
Asher used his art work as his coping skills for life. He often viewed life as ugly and colorless. That is a very sad view for such a young boy to have of the world.
Great insight on how he would virtually go into an altered state of consciousness at various times throughout the first half, always delving into a world of art and nature. The author does such a good job of describing these episodes. They are a way for him to escape reality in the most tense of times.
I appreciate your insight, and I agree that he slips into a depression that is almost trance-like. That reaction not only helps him to escape the pain, but also seems to contribute to the Rebbe's decision that Asher should stay in America. The Rebbe is truly wise, and more than once I felt glad that he was making decisions for Asher rather than leaving it to Aryeh.
Like you I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but it really keeps you interested and your mind going. I began to try and imagine how I would handle this situation if I was Asher and I think overall he does pretty well. I was glad he found his interest in art again and it's great that he is fighting to keep it. As you mentioned Asher seems to just move on from the negative experiences.
I also wanted to mainly shake his father. At least his mother began to stick up for him. You wonder what the effects of such control over the lives of the community will have. I am curious to see what role Jacob Kahn will have on Asher. The strong reaction to the picture of Jesus "that man" was interesting. I had no idea that the Jewish people, or this sect, felt so hostile against Jesus.
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