The Magic Maker
by Mickey Dubrow
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Pub Date Jan 14 2025 | Archive Date Jan 31 2025
Mindbuck Media | Brother Mockingbird
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Description
In 1917 on New York City’s Lower East Side, Baruch Rosenfeld, following Jewish tradition, invites a beggar to join his family for the Passover Seder. Baruch’s good deed backfires. He and his wife Rebekah and their children Nathan, Jacob, and Sadie are trapped in time. They don’t age, they can’t leave their three-room apartment, dark clouds obscure the views from the windows, and the outside world believes they disappeared without a trace.
The family finds individual ways to deal with their imprisonment. Sadie Rosenfeld, the youngest, creates a rich fantasy life in which a handsome suitor escorts her to Coney Island, a wonderful place she’s never been to but always dreamed about.
A hundred years later, the apartment building is now the Tenement Museum. Esther Luna, an educator for the museum, sees Sadie at the window. Thinking Sadie is a trespasser, Esther goes to the apartment but finds it has been empty for decades. She hires Jewish magician Meir Poppers, a kishef macher, to solve the mystery of the girl at the window.
But Meir’s efforts to free the Rosenfelds are blocked by rivals, ancient spells, and his own self-doubt. When Meir finally reaches the trapped family, he and Sadie must make decisions that will change their lives forever. Will Meir’s magic be enough to rescue the Rosenfelds from their eternal prison, and clear the clouds for good?
Advance Praise
“If you want magic of an especially warm-hearted, hilarious, poignant, and insightful variety, this is the book for you. Mickey Dubrow’s The Magic Maker is a thorough delight.”
— Steve Stern, author of The Village Idiot
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781960226167 |
| PRICE | $21.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 291 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1505181
In The Magic Maker, Mickey Dubrow crafts a captivating tale set in early 20th-century New York City. The story revolves around Baruch Rosenfeld’s family, who are mysteriously trapped in their apartment after a good deed goes awry. As time stands still for them, their individual ways of coping with their confinement add depth to their characters.
The modern-day aspect introduces Esther Luna and magician Meir Poppers, who team up to unravel the mystery behind the Rosenfeld family's predicament. Dubrow’s rich storytelling and the enchanting blend of magic and realism create a compelling narrative, though the resolution could have been more drawn out. Overall, it’s a charming and imaginative read that engages with its magical premise and heartfelt moments.
jessica h, Educator
Magic Maker is a delight; a fast-moving, warm-hearted mix of historical fiction, time-travel fantasy, and Judaica that's welcoming to all readers. The Rosenfeld family feels so real, and Meir Popper's struggles to release them from a random act of mystical entrapment kept me enthralled.
Jane M, Librarian
I tend to read mostly realistic fiction but I really enjoyed this story. The characters were kind of caricatures of themselves. The fantasy part was not so way out there so that it was enjoyable for someone who doesn't really like fantasy/sci fi. There was some comedic relief also.
Reviewer 1443053
It was okay. Could have been better but I did not necessarily hate it. The premise had a lot of potential but I didn't feel like it lived completely up to it. Still would recommend tho
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