The novel “The Chosen”, which was later adapted into a film in 1981, was written by American author Chaim Potok. Published in 1967, the novel tells the story of two young Jewish boys, Reuven Malter and Danny Saunders, who come from different religious backgrounds and form an unlikely friendship in Brooklyn, New York, during the 1940s.
Chaim Potok, born Herman Harold Potok in 1929, was an American Jewish author and rabbi. He was known for his insightful and poignant portrayals of Jewish life and culture, as well as his exploration of themes such as faith, tradition, and the complexities of identity.
“The Chosen” is considered one of Potok’s most famous works and has been praised for its sensitive exploration of religious and cultural differences, as well as its depiction of the challenges and conflicts faced by the two young protagonists as they navigate their friendship and their respective paths in life.
In 1981, the novel was adapted into a film directed by Jeremy Paul Kagan, with a screenplay by Edwin Gordon. The film starred Robby Benson as Reuven Malter and Barry Miller as Danny Saunders, and received critical acclaim for its faithful adaptation of Potok’s novel and its powerful performances.
Overall, “The Chosen” remains a timeless and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers and viewers alike, exploring universal themes of friendship, faith, and self-discovery in the context of a rich and vividly portrayed Jewish community in mid-20th century America.