The Golem and the Jinni: A Novel (P.S.)

He raised one hand, a gesture that said, say no more. From his pocket he pulled a cloth tape measure, and mimed for her to hold out her arms. She did so, amused at the expressive precision of his gestures, which left no room for dissembling. Perhaps we should all learn to be mute, she thought.

Most idealists lived in their own impossible worlds, sealed away from reality; Maryam, it seemed, effortlessly reached out from hers and drew others inside. Her unstudied goodness affected their judgment, even to the point of buying large quantities of ice cream in winter.

macadam.

lummox,

nonplussed.

perfidious.

“Let me see if I understand correctly now,” the Jinni said at one point. “You and your relations believe that a ghost living in the sky can grant you wishes.”

brougham

For all the wizard’s strength and power, the jackals found he made rather a small meal.