This narrative, set in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, will strike a familiar chord in the mind of any student who has ever struggled to resolve the conflict of the dichotomous forces in life. The friendship of Danny Saunders and Reuven Malter will echo true for persons of all faiths. The concerns of the fathers, Reb Saunders and David Malter, for their sons, will be readily perceived as an attribute of all parents.
The Chosen is a worthwhile selection for classroom study both for its literary artistry and the principles it presents for reflection. It affords an opportunity for understanding the importance of religious background in the conflicts that confront both generations. It evokes an appreciation for the burdens of parenthood. It discloses the cost of genuine friendship and stresses the need for compassion in every aspect of human behavior.