The Dybbuk by S. Ansky
Between Two Worlds
The book is a seminal work in Yiddish literature and folklore, centering around the concept of a dybbuk—a malicious possessing spirit from Jewish mythology. The narrative follows the tragic tale of a young bride in a Polish shtetl who becomes possessed by the restless spirit of her dead lover, who had been wronged by his own father and her father's broken pledge. The possession leads to a dramatic exorcism and a series of events that explore themes of love, betrayal, and the clash between the mystical and the rational, as well as the boundaries of life and death. The story delves into the rich tapestry of Jewish mysticism, community, and tradition, reflecting the cultural and religious tensions of Eastern European Jews before the First World War.
The 4805th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1914
- Nationality
- Russian
- Length
- Very Short
- Pages
- 148
- Original Language
- Yiddish
- Avg User Rating
-
(3.5)
- Alternate Titles
-
- Between Two Worlds
- The Dybbuk, or Between Two Worlds
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This book is on the following 3 lists:
- 36th on 50 Greatest Plays of The Past 100 Years (1913–2013) (Entertainment Weekly)
- 88th on The Drama 100 - A Ranking of the Greatest Plays of All Time (Book)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)