We’re back this week with another Jean Meltzer special, this time in the form of a hunky golem (maybe). It’s Magical Meet Cute!
After an antisemitic attack, Faye—a former lawyer turned ceramicist living in Upstate New York—gets drunk and makes her perfect man out of clay inspired by the golem stories of old. But when a stranger walks in front of her bicycle the next day, leading to a horrible crash and amnesia for the poor guy, she wonders just how much magic she conjured the night before. Is there any truth to the old stories about clay figurines brought to life to protect her people in times of crisis? If so, she should fall in love if this man happens to be one?
Greg is perfect. Too perfect. He can’t be human. Not really. Not with those arms and shoulders like a solid oak tree. Nor those vibrant green eyes like an equally dense forest, or his fiery red hair. Because a guy that looked like that wouldn’t read all her books or help with her pottery or beat her at Scrabble. Just like she dreamed him.
No way. He can’t be real.
Only when Faye learns the truth behind Greg’s identity—and when his memory returns—she discovers how real he was all along, if only she had trusted her heart instead of being afraid to get hurt again.
This book looked like it would be an adorable love story with some magical elements, and it did not disappoint. I loved how unapologetically Jewish this book is, especially in the wake of October 7 last year. Many parts of Faye’s story was a soothing catharsis to my weary soul. I want more main characters like Faye who are not ashamed of their Jewishness, but wear it like a magen David necklace with chutzpah in the face of our attackers. Of course, having Jewish characters punch modern N*zis and white supremacists is always vindicating after so many others have written us like cowering children beneath the bed. Or worse: villains behind the scenes manipulating everything to our advantage.
It was equally redemptive for our beloved golems who have too frequently been misrepresented in popular culture (looking at you, Dungeons and Dragons).
Also, while Faye isn’t my favourite Jean Meltzer heroine (have to read all her books first before I can pick one!), I so appreciate how she is a full figured woman will all the curves! As a plus size woman myself, it’s great when the main character happens to look less like a malnourished twig than some of these other heroines lately.
I will add as a trigger warning for anyone who is like me and has a family member who suffers from a mental condition, there were moments I wondered if I should stop reading. However, I never felt triggered personally, and instead, this book reminded me of the healing and confidence I’ve gained over the last few months and years after enduring similar circumstances to Faye.
If like me you want to read about proud Jewish women who also happen to fall in love with the man of their dreams—oh, and how they fight for justice against our modern-day oppressors—then you can’t go wrong with Magical Meet Cute! It’s sure to keep you laughing and kvelling well into the night.
What other Jean Meltzer stories have you read? Let me know down in the comments below!
As always, follow me on Goodreads to see what I might review next!
At Last
What’s on My Shelf: November-December
Eternity’s Reminder
A Diligent Heart
