Dara Horn’s novel, “A Guide for the Perplexed,” intertwines historical narratives with contemporary issues, prompting a deeper exploration of Jewish thought and the complexities of human relationships. This analysis delves into Horn’s work, examining its strengths and weaknesses while focusing on her innovative approach to incorporating Maimonides’ philosophical legacy.
To fully appreciate Horn’s novel, some historical context is essential. Maimonides (1138-1204), a renowned medieval Jewish philosopher and physician, authored “The Guide for the Perplexed,” a seminal yet challenging philosophical work. This text, exploring the intersection of religion and science as understood in the 12th century, has profoundly influenced both Jewish and non-Jewish intellectuals. Even today, scholars debate the true meaning and significance of the Guide and Maimonides’ religious views.
In the late 19th century, Solomon Schechter, a Jewish scholar, unearthed a vast collection of documents in a Cairo synagogue’s Genizah. This Genizah contained numerous documents related to Maimonides, significantly enriching our understanding of his life and work. The Cairo Genizah is a treasure trove for historians studying Jewish life in the Middle Ages. Joel Kraemer’s 2008 biography, “Maimonides: The Life and World of One of Civilization’s Greatest Minds,” draws heavily on these Genizah documents, providing a comprehensive exploration of Maimonides’ life and thought. Horn’s novel draws inspiration from Kraemer’s biography, Maimonides’ work, and Schechter’s discovery.
Dara Horn (born 1977), an acclaimed American novelist with a PhD in Comparative Literature from Harvard University, weaves together multiple storylines in “A Guide for the Perplexed.” The novel features segments set in Maimonides’ Egypt, incorporating quotations and discussions of themes from “The Guide.” Another strand focuses on Solomon Schechter’s 19th-century discovery of the Cairo Genizah.
Beyond these historical components, Horn’s novel is firmly rooted in the present. The main narrative unfolds in contemporary settings across the United States, Egypt, and Israel. Josie Ashkenazi, a brilliant young American software developer, invents a program called Genizah, capable of meticulously tracking past events. This program achieves widespread popularity, leading Josie to establish her own company. She is married to Itamar, an Israeli programmer, and they have a daughter named Tali. Josie also has an older sister, Judith, who lacks Josie’s intellectual gifts. Despite their long-standing sibling rivalry, Josie employs Judith in her company.
Alt: Fragments of text from the Cairo Genizah, showcasing the diverse content preserved within.
When Josie is invited to the Alexandria Library in Egypt to assist with software development, she is kidnapped by an outlaw gang. During her captivity, she finds solace in reading Maimonides’ “Guide.” The novel alternates between Josie’s experiences and the stories of Maimonides and Schechter.
While the novel’s ambition is admirable, the rapid shifts between contemporary and historical settings can feel overwhelming. The connections between Josie’s story and the historical narratives are thematic rather than plot-driven, leading to a sense of disjointedness. The central plot involving Josie’s kidnapping feels somewhat contrived.
Horn’s novel explores broad themes, including the Biblical story of Joseph and his brothers, and the dynamics between gifted and less gifted siblings. These themes are interwoven throughout the three plot lines, sometimes in an overly deliberate manner. Furthermore, the protagonist, Josie, can be perceived as unlikeable due to her arrogance and self-absorption, even when facing hardship.
Despite these shortcomings, “A Guide for the Perplexed” has redeeming qualities. The scenes featuring Maimonides and Schechter are well-crafted, and the discussions of Maimonides’ “Guide” are insightful. The novel serves a valuable purpose in introducing Maimonides to a wider audience. While Josie is not a sympathetic character, the novel raises thought-provoking questions about intellect and its value, particularly in relation to Jewish thought, where Maimonides represents philosophical rationalism.
Alt: A black and white portrait of Solomon Schechter, a Jewish scholar and discoverer of the Cairo Genizah.
Horn’s novel delves into the potential overvaluation of intellect, contrasting it with emotion and the experiences of those who are not intellectually inclined. A poignant scene depicts Solomon Schechter visiting his long-lost, uneducated brother in Palestine. The book also explores themes of time, memory, and sibling rivalry, offering insightful observations despite its occasional clumsiness. The novel’s engaging prose and fast-paced narrative contribute to an enjoyable reading experience, even with its structural issues and philosophical tangents.
In conclusion, “A Guide for the Perplexed” successfully introduces readers to Maimonides’ philosophical legacy while exploring complex themes of intellect, family, and memory. While the novel has its flaws, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in contemporary Jewish fiction and intellectual history. The opportunity to revisit Maimonides’ thought, stimulated by this novel, is valuable and enriching.
