My Name is Asher Lev

The title character of Chaim Potok’s My Name is Asher Lev is a Hasidic Jew who possesses an amazing artistic talent. The book’s central tension involves the conflict between Asher’s artistic drive and the devout religious traditions he grows up with. Potok pulls you into the world of mid-20th century Hasidic Brooklyn through his portrayal of someone who has difficulty follows the standards of that society. Though Asher’s characterization as a young boy seemed a little contrived, before long you get pulled into his struggle to reconcile his artistic genius with his ultra-orthodox beliefs.