This is the first, and probably last, time I will review a book that has been dedicated to me. But you scream, Isn’t that a gross conflict of interest? Normally I would say yes. I typically rely on guest reviewers for posts about books I have a vested interest in. However, I think you will agree with me that The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros is the one notable exception to this rule. Because the author did not know he was dedicating this book to me (and possibly you!) when he wrote it.

Crack open the spine on this gorgeously lush dark Jewish historical fantasy set during the Chicago world’s fair and you will find that Polydoros has dedicated the story of a young immigrant possessed by his former crush’s dybbuk to all of the readers that see themselves within its pages. And I saw myself in this book in a way I never thought possible for a mass market YA that received starred reviews from most of the major trade publications. It even had yiddish!

I immediately felt a kinship to the protagonist Alter. The name, which means “old”, is commonly given to those born ill or sick. The idea is to trick the angel of death by calling a newborn old. I received a similarly symbolic name at my birth.

Alter is a deeply religious Jew who finds comfort in this strange land of America by diving deep into the Jewish traditions that remind him of home. However, he carries a heavy secret in his heart. He harbors a secret crush on his roommate Yakov and when Yakov is murdered it is this love that allows Yakov’s dybbuk to posses Alter. It is also this same love that prevents Alter from seeking an exorcism. Instead, he must pursue the only other viable option to rid himself of the dybbuk before it kills him – solve the mystery of Yakov’s murder and rain vengeance down upon his killer.

Aiding him in this task is Frankie, a former Yeshiva student who has turned Robin Hood and now runs a group of thieves who steal from the rich bosses that exploit Chicago’s immigrants. Alter used to work for Frankie and as the plot unfolds one begins to wonder if Frankie’s dogged support of Alter isn’t a little more than friendly. It is rare to find a Jew so unabashedly afraid to be ambitious and shine a light on the ugliness that lurks in the corners of polite society than Frankie. Equally chaotic, literally – she’s an anarchist, is Raizel. A former shiduch date of Alter’s turned friend, Raizel is a girl after my own heart. She is equally willing to rail against the horrible view from the women’s gallery in shul and the lack of respect she gets as a female reporter. She also clearly kicks Alter’s tuchus in ESL class. Because she’s not afraid to be exceptional in a world where men are supposed to come first and women are told to sit up in the gallery, unseen and unheard.

Following this trio through the deeply disturbing underbelly of the Chicago World’s Fair, the story alternates between sharp social commentary, a treatise on religion and a charming love story. It was utterly captivating and fulfilling. Because, without giving too much away, Polydoros manages to give his religious Jews a happy ending. This book does not shy away from trauma, violence, hate or gore but – wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles  – there is hope at the end for everyone who sees themselves in its pages.

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E Broderick is a writer and speculative fiction enthusiast. When not writing she enjoys epic games of trivial pursuit and baking. She currently lives in the U.S. but is eagerly awaiting the day a sentient spaceship offers to take her traveling around the galaxy.