Beth Kander’s adult debut novel, I Made It Out of Clay, masterfully blends Jewish folklore, contemporary romance, and magical realism into a compelling exploration of grief, family dynamics, and the sometimes desperate measures we take to protect ourselves from pain. This darkly humorous yet deeply moving story manages to be both timely and timeless, offering a fresh perspective on ancient myths while tackling very modern anxieties.
Plot & Premise: More Than Just Another Monster Romance
In this innovative take on the golem legend, we meet Eve Goodman – a nearly-forty Jewish copywriter struggling with unprocessed grief over her father’s death, professional uncertainty, and the approaching wedding of her younger sister. When mounting pressures and a series of unsettling encounters push her to her breaking point, Eve remembers her grandmother’s stories about the golem—a protective being created from clay. In a moment of desperation, she successfully creates one herself, naming him Paul Mudd.
What starts as a seemingly perfect solution (and potential wedding date) evolves into something far more complex as Eve discovers she’s not the only one who’s tried this unorthodox coping mechanism. The story cleverly subverts romantic tropes while examining deeper themes about safety, control, and the prices we pay for protection.
Strengths: A Masterclass in Balancing Light and Dark
Authentic Jewish Representation
Kander’s portrayal of contemporary Jewish life feels wonderfully authentic, avoiding both stereotypes and over-explanation. The integration of Jewish traditions, phrases, and family dynamics enriches the narrative without ever feeling like a primer for non-Jewish readers. The author’s handling of antisemitism is particularly nuanced, acknowledging its presence without letting it dominate the story.
Complex Family Dynamics
The relationships between Eve, her sister Rosie, and their mother Rena are masterfully drawn. Their struggles to communicate about their shared loss feel painfully real, as does their gradual journey toward healing. The ghost of Eve’s father haunts every page, not as a supernatural presence but as the loved one whose absence has transformed their family dynamics.
Humor and Heart
Despite its darker elements, the book maintains a warmth and wit that makes it incredibly readable. Eve’s inner monologue is consistently entertaining, and her observations about everything from office politics to holiday celebrations are sharp and often laugh-out-loud funny.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues
The middle section of I Made It Out of Clay occasionally drags, with some repetitive internal monologues that could have been trimmed. The transition from romantic comedy to darker territory, while thematically appropriate, might feel abrupt for readers expecting a lighter story throughout.
Secondary Character Development
While the main characters are well-developed, some secondary characters, particularly in Eve’s workplace, feel slightly two-dimensional. A deeper exploration of these relationships could have added additional layers to the story’s examination of community and connection.
Romance Elements
The romantic subplot with Hot Josh, while charming, sometimes feels underdeveloped compared to the rich family dynamics and folklore elements. Some readers might wish for more development of this relationship earlier in the story.
Writing Style & Technical Excellence
Kander’s background as a playwright shines through in her sharp dialogue and expert scene-setting. The prose is crisp and contemporary, with a confident voice that carries readers through both humorous and heart-wrenching moments. The structure, organized by days of the week, creates a natural momentum leading to the climactic wedding scene.
Themes & Subtext
Protection vs. Control
The central metaphor of the golem serves as a brilliant exploration of how protective instincts can become controlling and ultimately destructive. This theme resonates on both personal and societal levels.
Grief and Memory
The novel’s treatment of grief is particularly nuanced, showing how loss can fragment families and how healing requires active engagement rather than avoidance.
Jewish Identity in Modern America
Through Eve’s complicated relationship with both Jewish traditions and American holiday culture, the book offers thoughtful commentary on contemporary Jewish identity.
Target Audience & Appeal
While marketed as fantasy romance, I Made It Out of Clay will appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Contemporary family dramas
- Magical realism
- Jewish literature
- Romance with substance
- Stories about women in their late thirties/early forties
Comparison & Context
I Made It Out of Clay sits comfortably alongside works like Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver and Alice Hoffman’s The World That We Knew in its use of Jewish folklore, while its contemporary setting and humor recall Melissa Broder’s The Pisces or Casey McQuiston’s romantic comedies.
Impact & Relevance
In an era of increasing antisemitism and general anxiety, Kander’s novel offers both escape and engagement with reality. Its message about the importance of facing our fears and grief rather than seeking magical solutions feels particularly relevant to our current moment.
Final Verdict
Despite some minor pacing issues and underdeveloped elements, it’s an impressive adult debut that successfully marries contemporary concerns with timeless themes. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its ability to tackle serious subjects while maintaining warmth and humor, much like its protagonist.
Kander has created something unique: a story that works both as entertainment and as a thoughtful examination of how we cope with loss and fear. It’s a promising debut that marks her as an author to watch in contemporary fantasy and literary fiction.
Who Should Read This Book
- Readers interested in modern interpretations of Jewish folklore
- Fans of romantic comedy who aren’t afraid of darker elements
- Anyone dealing with family dynamics and grief
- Readers who enjoy magical realism in contemporary settings
- Those looking for authentic Jewish representation in contemporary fiction
Who Might Want to Skip
- Readers seeking pure romance or pure fantasy
- Those uncomfortable with discussions of grief and loss
- Readers who prefer their magical elements fully explained
- Those looking for traditional horror or monster stories
Reading Experience & Presentation
The book’s pacing makes it ideal for both sustained reading sessions and shorter breaks. The chapter structure, organized by days, creates natural stopping points while maintaining narrative momentum.
Conclusion: A Promising Debut
I Made It Out of Clay announces Beth Kander as a distinctive new voice in contemporary fiction. While not perfect, its ambitious blend of genres and themes, coupled with its authentic exploration of Jewish life and family dynamics, makes it a memorable and worthwhile read. It’s the kind of book that stays with you, prompting reflection on your own relationships and coping mechanisms long after you’ve turned the final page.
