52 pages 1 hour read

Sacha Lamb

When the Angels Left the Old Country

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2022

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Sacha Lamb’s debut YA fantasy novel, When the Angels Left the Old Country, the demon Little Ash and the angel Uriel leave their small shtetl to find Essie, a girl who disappeared en route to America. Joined by Rose, they navigate the perils of immigration and face evil forces, all while growing closer and learning to embrace their identities. The book includes descriptions of violence, prejudice, and antisemitism.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb blends Jewish folklore with a queer coming-of-age tale. Reviewers praise its rich, nuanced characters and evocative storytelling. However, some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it is heralded for its compelling narrative and cultural depth, though a few readers may be deterred by its slower sections.

Who should read this

Who Should Read When the Angels Left the Old Country?

A reader who enjoys When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb would likely appreciate historical novels with a mix of magical realism and Jewish cultural elements. Fans of Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay or Markus Zusak's The Book Thief would find this book compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

14-18years

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Jewish Literature

Historical Fiction

Topics

LGBTQ

History: World

Religion / Spirituality

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger

Identity: Gender