For Book CLUBs

Discussion Questions

The Hidden Saint takes place in the world of Eastern European Jews more than 200 years ago, a world with different customs, practices, priorities and concerns than our own. Was this world accessible or off-putting to you? Why?

The marriage of Adam and Sarah is an unhappy one at the start of the book. Is either one—or are both—to blame? Who had tried harder to make it work?

The story is told from the perspectives of Adam, Sarah, and the Golem. What did each perspective bring to the story? Should it have been told from just one perspective—or from more than these three? Why?

The story features figures and creatures from throughout Jewish scripture and folklore. How do these supernatural characters compare to those of other traditions or stories with which you’re familiar?

What does this story say about the nature of evil that may be different from other traditions, Hollywood movies, or other sources? How does it reconcile the idea of evil with the idea of an omnipotent God?

The Golem is saddened by the idea that he’s less than human and, by the end of the story, achieves humanity, or a degree of it. What does his story arc say about what it means to be human?

Sarah contemplates the teaching that God doesn’t give a person more pain than he or she can bear. What does this novel say about why God dispenses pain? Do you agree?

Adam faces a strong female adversary, Lilith, with the help of two strong women, Shayna and Sarah. What does this novel say about male/female relationships?

Lilith personifies the impulse to do evil. She’s also the first wife of the first man, Adam, who was scorned for her independence and replaced by Eve. Can we, should we, sympathize with her?

Adam was fated to marry Rachel, yet he married Sarah. What does this say about the nature of fate?