Old Men at Midnight, by Chaim Potok is an exceptional book that encompasses three novellas. Each story stands on its own, and each one is compelling and intense.

The novellas are connected through Ilana Davita Dinn, who is the vehicle that bridges each story. Her patience and her attitude afford a sense of trust, and the primary characters feel they can confide in her. In a sense she is their muse, their confidant, the one person they feel they can tell their life story to.

Ilana believes that stories are a necessary facet of life, in which the past is important not only as historical information, but also as a mode of remembrance, for future generations.

I will give you a short glimpse into each story, but I won’t go into too much detail regarding the stories. If I do, I will end up give away much of the story lines.

The Ark Builder is the first story in Old Men at Midnight. It concerns a young Holocaust survivor, and his memories. Ilana is a young woman at the time, who encourages him to face his fears.

The second story is entitled The War Doctor, and involves a Jewish KGB officer who has defected to America. With her encouragement he is able to write about the events that involved a doctor who saved his arm. This story is quite disturbing in many aspects, as it deals directly with events of war, the horrors and the manipulations. It is extremely compelling. Ilana is a teaching assistant at Barnard University at the time, and the KGB officer is going to give a presentation there.

The Trope Teacher is the last story in the novella trilogy, and Ilana is a bit older and has become a writer. Her neighbor is a man who is a professor on warfare, its conflicts and events, and who is grappling with his wife’s illness. Once again, she is the encouraging force in his writing his memoir.

Potok’s Old Men at Midnight is a compelling and poignant trilogy of stories, and each one delves into issues of the Holocaust, and how the events have fashioned the lives of the characters, emotionally, and how the after-effects affect the individual lives. Each story is brilliantly written, and Chaim Potok’s masterful writing illuminates the pages. The book is filled with vivid imagery, and written with excellence. I highly recommend Old Men at Midnight to everyone.

I personally own and have read this book.
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Jew Wishes…Peace to you all.
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Monday February 16, 2009 – 22nd of Sh’vat, 5769