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The Devil in Jerusalem by Naomi Ragen

The Devil in Jerusalem

by Naomi Ragen

  • Readers' Rating (28):
  • Published:
  • Oct 2015, 320 pages
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There are currently 28 reader reviews for The Devil in Jerusalem
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Cecilia Z. (Montclair, NJ)

Devil in Jeusalem
I am a fan of Naomi Ragen and have read many of her books. Her themes are always thought-provoking. This book is no exception. However, it is disturbing to read and almost beyond understanding. The thought that a mother who clearly loves her children could fall so deeply under someone's influence, enough to let them be harmed, is very difficult to comprehend. Ragen does a good job of developing the characters, especially the mother, and it is a fascinating, albeit shocking, story.
Julia A. (New York, NY)

Terrifying yet Fascinating
The story is both terrifying and fascinating. In Naomi Ragen's own words, she "wishes to explore through fiction the wider implications of how people seeking spiritual guidance can naively wind up in horrific cults led by psychopaths, particularly cults that abuse children."

The horrific physical abuse of children by a charismatic yet psychopathic Kabbalah-studies leader is at the core of this novel, which is based on true events. The work of dedicated detectives and a "child interviewer" psychologist to get to the bottom of what happened makes for an absorbing story. That parents could be so captivated by themore
Mary P. (Lisbon Falls, ME)

Suspenseful but dark
This is well written book and Naomi Ragen has developed complex, intricate characters. The problem is that the subject matter is dark and unrelentingly bleak.

The characters are in a battle with evil influences that come in the form of supposed holy people and you are presented with the realization that regardless of high minded intentions there is a fine line between a righteous life and surrender to the dark side.

There are parts of the book that were very hard to read and I am ambivalent about my feelings.

This is a well paced book but the subject matter is difficult and complicated. The characters are notmore
Shelley C. (Eastport, NY)

Not For the Faint of Heart
I live in New York and am used to seeing Hassidic Jews. I've always looked at their bizarre clothing and wondered why they continue to dress in this way, no matter the temperature or century. The story told in, "The Devil In Jerusalem", gives me further pause to wonder; are all of these people steeped in a traditional religion, or are they, too, involved in a cult. Also, how does one tell a religious leader from a charlatan? And, how do we know that our rabbi, or pastor, or priest is someone we can trust?

Both rabbis in this story were sick and yet they found people who were eager to believe in them and followmore
Colleen L. (Casco, ME)

The Devil In Jersusaleum
The author Naomi Ragen, an American who has lived in Jerusalem for 40 years, writes authoritatively about the city. It is evident she understands the language and the culture. I found the background information for the story very interesting and informative, having never traveled to Israel myself.

The 'Devil in Jerusalem' by Naomi Ragen is inspired on a real court case that occurred in Jerusalem...the Elior Chen Trial. "The experiences of the children in this book was based on 300 pages of actual court testimony. Naomi Ragen" It is evident in reading this book that Ragen conducted significant research across amore
Lauren T. (Orlando, FL)

The devil in Jerusalem by Naomi Ragen
Although I enjoyed Naomi Ragen's latest novel, it wasn't as good as her others. The story was interesting, but I didn't find the characters very believable, especially the main character. I found myself more absorbed in the character of the lead detective on Daniella's case. She was more consistent in her behavior, and I felt I understood her much better than I did Daniella or Shlomie. With that said, I have always enjoyed Naomi Ragen's books and found this a worthwhile read because I learned some things about Kabbalah and cults. Some of the descriptions of child abuse are difficult to get through, but this wasmore
Sbreader

Engrossing story but difficult premise
Devil in Jerusalem captures the reader immediately and keeps them captivated throughout the book. This is partially due to the horror of the tale being told and partially due to the effective use of multiple narrators and well written text. My hesitation about fully recommending this book is due to the the main character of the book, Daniella Goodman. At times she seems very confident and is described initially as an extremely loving and dedicated mother. So it is very difficult to understand how she transforms into her utilmate character. Naomi Ragen adds testimony at the end of the book which attempts tomore
Martha P. (Issaquah, WA)

Not impressed
I would have to say that this was one of the least enjoyable reads I have had in a while. Not only was the subject matter disturbing but the writing was pedestrian at best. My feeling was that the subject of cults and their abuse of children does not lend itself well to fiction. Better to write this as nonfiction and really be able to delve more deeply into the psychopathic minds and history of cult abuse. Ragen says she did extensive research but her book seems way too shallow, emotional and angry for the reader to learn much about the subject. Obviously, normal people would be repulsed by this kind of activity.

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