Wow, I just don’t know where to begin. First, let me start by saying that this is my first Edward Lee novel and I’m sure it doesn't reflect his actual writing ability; so I apologize in advance to any Lee fans who may be offended by this review. Let me also state that in no way is this review meant to offend any religious groups. Now that the disclaimer is in place, let’s get started.
I have two words for you: Jewish folklore. This is a horror novel based on Jewish folklore. I have nothing against Jewish folklore, but it’s like watching Christian porn – some things just shouldn’t be mixed.
A Golem is a protector, an animate made from inanimate materials, such as clay. Lee has put his own spin on this creature, who now uses its power for evil. The Golem is written in an alternating style between present and past. The story opens in 1880 with a ship, manned by a captain and a married Czech couple, bringing barrels of cargo to a small Maryland town called Lowensport. The barrels contain special clay from Prague which, legend has it, is used to create Golems. The ship never makes it, however, because the wife loses her mind and hacks the two men to death with an ax, while having painted herself with the clay. We also learn of the Connors and the Lowens—sort of the Hatfields and the McCoys of Judaism and Christianity -- and the creation of the Golem as a way to seek revenge for crimes these clans commit upon each other.
The current day plot is the exciting story of Seth and Judy, two recovering addicts. Seth is a 50-year-old, tragically-horny guy who hit the big time creating a best-selling video game. Judy is a former teacher and crack-whore who spouts tons of useless information she learned from different guys she “dated”. Together Judy and Seth buy and renovate the famous Lowen house in the quiet little town of Lowensport. When the old cargo ship is found buried on their land, Seth and Judy become the proud owners of multiple barrels of clay and no clue what it's for. Current day also brings us two small-time thugs, D-Man and Nutjob, who sling drugs for a few corrupt cops and who apparently have access to a Golem; which they use to rid themselves of any drug competition or informants. These two will soon make the acquaintance of Seth and Judy through a combination of Seth's celebrity/financial status, the historical house they bought and their possession of the clay.
Word has it that the showdown at the Lowen House is a gore-fest, but I will never know for sure because more than half way through the book, I am just done; I can't force myself go any further. Between all of the historical information, the Hebrew lessons, Judy constantly prancing around in various degrees of undress, while Seth vacillates between his erection and insecurity -- not to mention the gratuitous necrophilia -- and I just wanted to blow my brains out. I was really looking forward to reading Edward Lee but sadly, The Golem fell victim to my half-way rule. I was promised a “gruesome, unrelenting horror fest” and I got klum.
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Mass Market Paperback: 323 pages
Publisher: Leisure Books (March 31, 2009)
ISBN-13: 978-0843958089