The Shoemaker's Tale

by Mark Ari

Book Overview

Painter-storyteller Ari's novel is a true original, with roots in Jewish mysticism and Yiddish folklore ... extravagant, charming, and deeply serious in its matter-of-fact mingling of moral history, prophecy and magic.-- Kirkus Reviews A Chagall painting brought to life, the novel traces the episodic journey of an orphaned 18th-century cobbler in search of the legendary Jewish rabbi and miracle worker, the Baal Shem Tov.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B004GQQTR2
• ISBN13: 9780939010394
• Release Date: July 2000
• Publisher: Zephyr Press
• Length: 246 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 7.5"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful spiritual tale

The world created in this exceptional tale recalls the great Yiddish writers. Magical imagery interwoven with the traditions of European Jewish life and a strong sense of humor abound. I have purchased several copies and given them as gifts. I have been a fan of the author since his days as a troubador-songwriter in New York City. He is a multi-faceted artist whose love of his cultural roots is most evident in this book. Be prepared to go on a journey back in time when miracles happened, and spiritual quests transformed those who dared to seek enlightenment.

Shoemaker Magic

Have you been fortunate enough to have read this extraordinary book? If not, order it here--but reader beware--don't open the cover unless you've nothing else to do or nowhere to go! Ari will draw you into the tale so completely and seamlessly you will lose track of time, space and reality. A truly magnificent story of what it means to be. If you haven't met Ari through his writing, you've never met him.

Amazing performance

Okay, I'm biased. I've known Ari for years, as both a teacher and a friend. But when I got my hands on the book it blew me away. Nothing I knew of the man who turned me on to Irving Stettner prepared me for the pages in my hand. A can't-miss enjoyment.

Hurrah for Meir the Shoemaker: a true Sole-man!

A beautifully written fable, full of wit and wisdom and delectably edgy humor. I read it at one sitting. I only wish there was more.

A truly wonderful tale: a joy to read and think about.

This book will steal your heart. It is gentle and full of laughter; yet, somehow, it manages to touch the reader in profound ways. If you're looking for a biography of the Baal Shem Tov, this is not the book for you. It never pretends to be. And if you need something that supports easy spirituality, superstition or one dimensional dogma, stay away! The Shoemaker's Tale will be a pebble in your shoe. It's meant to be. However, if it's great fiction that you're after, Ari's novel fits the bill. You'll get plenty of good belly-laughs from it, and an outlook that is both pungently wry and full of the heart's wisdom. For the sparse beauty of its prose alone, it makes my list of favorite books! I warmly recommend it.