As I write this, I have not finished reading this book. However, I am impressed with Mr. Kushner's abilities. The novel works on many levels. It works as a stand-alone story with excellent nattarive structure and character development. To a more sophisticated reader, the novel's resonances with Kabblistic text and thought are hard to escape. However, I'm under the strong impression a reader can develop a deep appreciation of Mr. Kushner's work without being a scholar in Jewish thought.

What Rabbi Lawrence Kushner writes, I read and learn.

I was intrigued to see that this inspiring author had turned his hand to writing a novel. I found it an accessible and appealing way to learn more about kabbalah and would certainly recommend it to anyone starting out on this particular spiritual path. The interweaving of concealed and revealed truths and the constant referral to light-- real and symbolic-- made this a most worthwhile and enjoyable reading experience.