52 pages • 1 hour read
When the Angels Left the Old Country
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Book Brief
408
Novel • Fiction
Eastern Europe • Early 20th Century
2022
YA
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
In Sacha Lamb’s debut YA fantasy novel, When the Angels Left the Old Country, the demon Little Ash and the angel Uriel leave their small shtetl to find Essie, a girl who disappeared en route to America. Joined by Rose, they navigate the perils of immigration and face evil forces, all while growing closer and learning to embrace their identities. The book includes descriptions of violence, prejudice, and antisemitism.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Emotional
Adventurous
Reviews & Readership
3,337 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb blends Jewish folklore with a queer coming-of-age tale. Reviewers praise its rich, nuanced characters and evocative storytelling. However, some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it is heralded for its compelling narrative and cultural depth, though a few readers may be deterred by its slower sections.
Who Should Read When the Angels Left the Old Country?
A reader who enjoys When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb would likely appreciate historical novels with a mix of magical realism and Jewish cultural elements. Fans of Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay or Markus Zusak's The Book Thief would find this book compelling.
3,337 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
408
Novel • Fiction
Eastern Europe • Early 20th Century
2022
YA
14-18 years
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