Evocative and rebellious; a groundbreaking literary tale.
Two people struggle with questions of love and faith in Victor’s remarkable latest novel. Lev Levitski, a devout and upright young man, has always followed the path of Jewish observance without question. But when he meets Angela Pizatto, a stunning Catholic girl, he is suddenly faced with a dilemma – can their forbidden love withstand the cultural and religious barriers between them? As they embark on a secret romance throughout Brooklyn, their devotion to each other grows stronger, but so does the realization that they may never be able to bridge their differences. Will Lev and Angela’s love conquer all, or will it ultimately tear them apart? The answer lies at the crossroads where faith and love collide.
This compelling novel unfolds on multiple layers, delving into theological, personal, and cultural dimensions with remarkable depth. Victor masterfully depicts Lev’s inner turmoil as he grapples with the clash between his faith and his love for Angela. Lev’s struggle feels palpably authentic, his emotions raw and conflicted. Meanwhile, Angela emerges as a vibrant and assertive character, her personality strikingly real and perfectly complementing Lev’s indecisiveness. Unlike Lev, Angela navigates life with unwavering conviction, whether it be in matters of love or faith. Her journey away from her Catholic upbringing toward a new spiritual orientation stands in stark contrast to Lev’s upbringing in an orthodox Jewish household.
As the narrative unfolds, Lev’s profound realization about his own ‘derech’ adds a poignant layer of understanding for the reader. Structured around a pattern of moral growth through disappointment, Lev’s experience leads him to question the very belief system that once shaped his morals. Through a deftly executed third-person narration, the trials faced by Lev and Angela prompt profound reflections on faith, temptation, and religious identity. Embedded within the protagonists’ personal struggles is a broader societal interrogation on the role of faith in marriage and happiness. The novel provocatively asks when individuals confront the crossroads of love and faith, are they prepared for the challenges that lie ahead? Can they reconcile the seemingly insurmountable differences in their backgrounds and beliefs? These questions are seamlessly interwoven into Lev and Angela’s quest for happiness and fulfillment, highlighting the transformative power of dismantling and reconstructing one’s identity. Through the couple’s journey, the novel illuminates the liberating potential of embracing change and forging a path that transcends the confines of tradition and expectation. A deep exploration of the profound and unexpected ways in which the people we love can shape and redefine our lives.
The Evil Inclination
Daniel Victor
Atmosphere Press
Pub date June 1, 2023
ISBN 978-1639888443
Price $12.34 (USD) Paperback, $4.99 Kindle edition
