A deftly crafted, unique, and thoroughly entertaining novel by an author with a genuine flair for a distinctive and reader-engaging narrative storytelling style, The Prophetess is very highly recommended.”
―Midwest Book Review
“Toggling between Rachel's daily life and her visions, this story exquisitely accomplishes a partnership between the divine and the quotidian. Debut author Marzouk integrates Jewish practice, philosophy, and mysticism into a complex yet accessible coming-of-age story... Fuses the mystical past with a teenager's complicated present through a richly rendered world of Jewish prayer and ritual.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A great beach read… about the discovery of self-identity and finding one’s unique purpose
in this world.”
—The Jewish Press
“Complex and ambitious.”
—Hadassah Magazine
“Interesting mix of YA and Jewish content…. A good choice for most Jewish libraries.”
—News and Reviews, Association of Jewish Libraries
“A best bet for bibliophiles!”
―Columbus Jewish News
“There is nothing like this in the book world—a profound spiritual journey deeply rooted in Jewish mysticism.... From dating, friendship, college applications, eating disorders, various ways of observing Judaism to the extraordinary world of prophets and prophetesses, readers will find this book hard to put down. Although it’s written for young adults, I highly recommend it for adults, too. There’s a lot to unpack and discuss so consider reading this for a book club.”
—Liza Wiemer, Reviewing in Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle
“Hits all the right YA notes while remaining entrenched in a Jewish worldview…wholesome.”
—Rebecca Klempner, Reviewing in Jewish Home LA
“The writing is strong, the characters well drawn and intriguing, and some of the prose is quite beautifully crafted… Claims faith as not only a positive choice but a life-affirming and joyous one.”
—Cindy Rizzo, Reviewing for YA Outside the Lines
“An enjoyable, deep read, providing much food for thought… real, honest, and vulnerable.”
—Rabbi Amy Grossblatt Pessah, Reviewing for Bookishly Jewish
"Set in Baltimore’s Pikesville Jewish community, protagonist Rachel connects to her Jewish roots and God upon discovering her own superpowers."
—Jewish Journal (Los Angeles)
“By discovering her power, Rachel also realizes her purpose in life…. Recommended for readers interested in Jewish culture and mysticism.”
—Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
“Wonderfully inspiring in so many ways.”
—Sarah Yehudit Schneider, founding director of A Still Small Voice
“Phenomenal.”
—Eve Levy, L’Chaim Center (Deerfield, IL)
“The perfect gift for readers of all ages, including yourself.”
—A Jewish Grandmother Blog
"What a wonderful experience, to read a book that so honestly explores Judaism and the unique experience of taking on new religious practices while surrounded by friends and family who are not on the same path."
—Jessica Russak Hoffman, Kiddush Book Club (Blog)
“Being a Catholic, I was concerned I might find myself lost in a religious world that was foreign to me. I was quickly drawn in… Rachel's story felt strangely familiar and mirrored my own experiences in many ways… Rather than feeling lost in a different religious world, I found an invitation to learn and understand.”
—Mary Beaudoin, Director of Religious Education, Saint Raphael Catholic Church (Rockville, MD)
"Deeply inspired and inspiring... A beautiful read about a spiritual journey, meant for young people at the start of their path as well as seasoned journeyers along the way."
—Chaya Lester, Author of Lit: Poems to Ignite Your Jewish Holidays
“A unique, spiritual fantasy about a modern teenager called upon to fulfill an ancient Divine calling. Marzouk's masterful weaving of mysticism, modernity, and magic creates a truly original and unforgettable coming-of-age story.”
―Leah Cypess, Author of The Piper’s Promise
“There is a surprise every chapter. This book will help you find your purpose in life… A must read.”
—Ayelet Lederman, 13 (Silver Spring, MD)
“An enthralling story for people of all ages.”
—Olivia, 14 (Great Falls, VA)
“Truly life changing.”
—Jenessa Mazelev, 12 (Livermore, CA)
"A story that straddles the ancient and modern worlds, that's both timeless and imminent, and that's full of legends but speaks of true things . The Prophetess masterfully captures the age when everything is strange and new and dangerous-the emotional instability of being a teenager and the spiritual instability of spoiler alert finding out you're a prophet. Evonne Marzouk's The Prophetess is a story that begs to be read."
"Evonne Marzouk's The Prophetess is a beautiful story of spiritual searching and coming of age. With an expert hand, she manages to meld the ancient and the modern to create a compelling story of growing up both spiritually and emotionally."
"A unique, spiritual fantasy about a modern teenager called upon to fulfill an ancient Divine calling. Marzouk's masterful weaving of mysticism, modernity, and magic creates a truly original and unforgettable coming-of-age story."
"Exquisitely crafted. Evonne uses her imaginative skills to create a world for a modern prophetess . and she describes brilliantly the very real struggles of adolescence to navigate relationships and to claim, and reclaim, her authentic Jewish heritage."
"Rachel's fascinating, beautifully-written story definitely resonates with me. It opened my eyes to a fresh perspective on the effects of prophecy. It created a narrative for me to understand how this Divine gift could change familial and social relationships forever. And it made me appreciate those who are willing to hear this calling despite the personal sacrifice they must endure."
2019-07-26
Rachel doesn't think of herself as an especially observant Jew, but when her 87-year-old Orthodox grandfather dies, her relationship to spirituality begins to shift.
Although her extended family practices Orthodox Judaism, Rachel's mother became less observant when she met Rachel's father, who is not religious. For Rachel and her older sister, Beth, a dedicated dancer, Judaism has not been their priority. The Baltimore high school student prioritizes her academics, writing poetry, and close female friendships. However, Rachel starts to experience visions—direct messages from G-d—and begins to uncover a mystical power deep within herself. After learning more about Judaism from Yonatan, an intense, charismatic stranger she meets at synagogue, Rachel starts to meditate, accessing her gifts more deeply until she goes to Israel, where she actualizes her powers. Toggling between Rachel's daily life and her visions, this story exquisitely accomplishes a partnership between the divine and the quotidian. Debut author Marzouk integrates Jewish practice, philosophy, and mysticism into a complex yet accessible coming-of-age story. Though Rachel's visions are described in less rich detail and language than her worldly life, the excitement over her realizing of her powers carries readers through the character-driven narrative.
Fuses the mystical past with a teenager's complicated present through a richly rendered world of Jewish prayer and ritual. (Fiction. 13-18)
