Master of Words

The Master or Jinn by Irving Karchmar, is an epic tale of self realization woven delicately through the intricate strands of religion. Though, ultimately dealing with grand religious themes, the strong foundations of the fictional novel lie in the human experiences surrounding the main characters and their physical and spiritual journeys.

The book is set in modern day Jerusalem, where there is a circle of dervishes led by a renowned Sufi master. Among this learned spiritual group is a young man named Ishaq who is an apprentice of the Sufi Master. The spiritual journey begins when the Master is visited by an Israeli professor of archeology and an Israeli intelligence officer who has been having strange dreams after discovering a ring while on a sting operation in the desert. Professor Shlomeh Freeman, unable to divulge the secrets of the ring using science, and Captain Simach wanting to know the meanings of his visions come to the Sufi Master to seek guidance. Upon examining the ring, the Master confirms that it is in fact the legendary ring of the Jewish Prophet–King, Solomon, who was able to control the fiery race of jinn with it.

The book follows three Jews, three Muslims and a guide as they embark on a journey that transcends the grips of time, space and reality, and ultimately helps them to realize the universal magnanimity of God. And this is where the strength of Master of the Jinn lies – in portraying the over compassing power that God has on all human beings. Karchmar goes further and ties the threads of traditional Judaic and Islamic theology together an area that has been discussed by few.

For all of The Master of the Jinn’s impressiveness, I could not help drawing similarities with the controversial Da Vinci Code. Although a more superior piece of literature than the Da Vinci Code, there are brief instances within the Master of the Jinn where one cannot help but draw plot and character similarities. However, Irving Karchmar puts forth a more respectful, contemplative tone in the Master of the Jinn, repeatedly reinforcing the idea that human knowledge is at the very best incomplete and should be constantly scrutinized and revised.

At last, a piece of literature by a Muslim writer that challenges readers to read between the lines and find their own special place among the characters. Master of the Jinn boasts vivid imagery boldly accented with turquoise, icy greens, blinding yellows and fiery reds. Irving Karchmar has delicately pressed flowers of religion into the storyline, and perfumed it with religious, scientific and philosophical knowledge. Master of the Jinn is a must read for those who love fiction and non fiction and wondered when someone would combine the two in a tasteful manner.

Master of the Jinn is available through
http://www.masterofthejinn.com

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