THE WORLD TO COME by Dana Horn

Reviewed by Katie Farnam

Eternity is a concept that haunts, mystifies and instills hope in many. In Dara Horn’s The World to Come, eternity is presented in a scattered spectrum of obscure, yet thoughtful scenarios. The novel focuses on Benjamin and Sara Ziskind, a set of thirty-something Jewish twins, and a Chagall painting which has been part of their family for several generations. After Benjamin swipes the painting from a New York City art gallery, he releases hoards of family history–poverty, Vietnam War tragedies, love affairs and lies–all a mirroring of the world to come.

Horn weaves historical data into her tale, making the read not only a compelling page-turner but also an informative resource about the plight of Jews in the early 20th century. Several passages are so beautifully written that it might be impossible not to retreat to the beginning and enjoy them once more. In the end, the book will leave you asking if Horn’s depiction of ‘the world to come’ could really be true, and if it is, how to unlock the secrets of the universe tucked gently within our souls.