WRATH BECOMES HER

A golem created during World War II to kill Nazis ponders the meaning of humanity.

Vera was crafted not just from clay but also magic and body parts taken from Chaya, a 17-year-old Jewish girl from Lithuania who was murdered by Nazis. Seeking vengeance, Chaya’s father makes Vera in his beloved daughter’s image. He also gives her access to some of Chaya’s memories so Vera can destroy the men responsible. Told through Vera’s first-person narration, the story follows the nearly indestructible golem as she attempts to follow this command while questioning her own existence and purpose. Chaya was in love with Akiva, a Jewish Lithuanian boy, so when Vera meets him, she’s unsure if her feelings are her own or just the remnants of Chaya’s. Still, they work together, especially when they learn of Nazi plans to use knowledge stolen from Vera’s creator. The historical setting is richly portrayed and doesn’t shy away from atrocities as it focuses on the war’s impact on civilian life. The fantasy elements are beautifully blended in, deepening the darkness and horror of the story, particularly as they relate to Vera’s internal turmoil. She was built for wrath, and sometimes the tale leans into this anger and violence, but more often it’s slower paced, occasionally meandering and lyrical, as it raises philosophical questions about human nature.

A haunting and thoughtful World War II tale with a dark, magical bent.