The Hidden Palace

Less tidbits of New York Jewish and New York Syrian culture than the previous, but more character development. Certainly Sophia is a more interesting person in this episode. The door is left open for a sequel, but the main conflicts are more or less resolved.

As beautiful as its predecessor, this book continues the tale of the golem Chava Levy and the jinni Ahmad, in the years leading up to WWI. There are new characters, old characters, and it's maybe a bit more soap opera than the first book. But The Hidden Palace is also magical, beautifully written, lovely.