Stunningly vivid, My Name is Asher Lev is a novel unlike anything you will find in mainstream American literature. Refreshingly original, it follows the life of a boy named Asher Lev, from about 5 years old until college. During these years, he realizes his gift, he is a child prodigy. His art, even at a young age, is creative and very real. Such an example is of his mother. Not comprehending completely the grief his mother is experiencing because of her brother's sudden death, he tries to understand her by drawing the emotions that appear. She takes to smoking to relieve her stress, and Asher uses the ashes of the cigarette to shade her, especially under her eyes.
Of course, there is conflict, and his conflict happens to be his family's beliefs. The Lev Family is Hasidic Jew, which is a extremely ritualistic and devout branch of Judaism. In that branch, art is only acceptable when related to religion, and even then, it's thought of as a waste of time. Some even see it as a gift of the Devil.
Asher, struggling to become accepted, even by himself, but most importantly his father, who has dedicated his life to the Rabbe, is torn and tossed. In the torment, Potok is amazingly descriptive. The only way you can write about the mind of an artist is if you yourself are one. He is convincing in his adjectives. Potok can be admired for being able to be a writer who can find words for the artistic mind.
Though at times the book drags on certain topics, the book is powerful. Potok is a genius, and it was wonderful to discover a new part of the world with his unique view.
I won't spoil the ending, but I must say it is truthful and heartwrenching. It is another "becoming of age" book, but the character is lovable and you feel his loss. It is a book that tells, at least this boy's story, of the Human Condition.
