The 12th Commandment refers to a controversial principle of the Dönme, a crypto-Jewish sect established in Turkey but, in this book, also in Ohio. The 12th commandment demands that one kill one’s own child if they share the secrets of the sect with outsiders. Natan of Flatbush, the leader of the Ohio Dönme has been convicted of murdering his son and is appealing his conviction. He is arguing he did not kill his son, but if he did, he had a protected religious right to do so.

The Dönme are perpetual outsiders. In Turkey, they are perceived as Jews and oppressed, but in Israel, they are seen as Muslim and denied the right of return. So why not establish a community in the United States where they will meet with tolerance? Except, it seems the tolerance is provisional. The Dönme believe Natan’s son was murdered by his classmates in a bias crime. They feel persecuted by local authorities.

When Zeke Leger returns to Ohio for a funeral, he is caught up by the idea of the Dönme. Add a recent murder that tests the limits of religious freedom and he thinks he’s found a fantastic story for the respected national magazine he writes for. I pictured The New Yorker or The Atlantic. As an added bonus, he can spend time with his former love, rekindling old flames. A complicating factor is she is the person who prosecuted Natan of Flatbush.

I liked the people in The 12th Commandment more than I liked the story. That is how I felt about Daniel Torday’s Boomer1 as well. He does a great job of creating credible characters that feel lived in. In particular, I loved the passive obstinance that propelled Zeke forward, continuing to investigate in the face of harassment, violence, and threats, but not with bravado or great proclamations of the rights of a free press. No, he will appear intimidated, ready to obey, but then do his thing. That’s so much more real than the self-righteous orator of liberty that is far more common.

I liked Natan of Flatbush, but why Flatbush? It just is zany and perhaps that is an intentional sign to readers not to take the story too seriously. There are a lot of towns in New Jersey to choose from, Natan of Newark just doesn’t have that touch of the ridiculous that Natan of Flatbush has. He’s a great character, though. A willing martyr to his faith, whether to the judicial system or to more venal opponents.

I was disappointed in the final resolution, however. I guess it was fair. There were hints and suggestions that laid a sketchy foundation for the ending, but it seemed so banal compared to the much more serious implications of other possibilities. However, I do think Torday has with The 12th Commandment and Boomer1 shown us how very ordinary our prophets and trailblazers are.

I received an ARC of The 12th Commandment from the publisher through Shelf Awareness

The 12th Commandment at St. Martin’s Press | Macmillan
Daniel Torday author site
My review of Boomer1 by Daniel Torday

https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpress.com/2023/02/15/the-12th-commandment-by-d... ( )

A mystical faith with a charismatic leader that uses hallucinogenic drugs as part of its ritual–wouldn’t you be intrigued? And learning that the leader is in jail, charged with the murder of his own son for breaking the 12th commandment to not divulge the sect’s secrets, wouldn’t your curiosity be piqued?

Zeke was back in Central Ohio for the funeral of a college friend when he heard about the Muslim Jewish group and the murder. The sect dated back to the 1600s when Jews living in the Ottoman Empire took on the trappings of Islam outwardly.

The sect was revived by Natan of Flatbush, who brought his flock to Ohio. Zeke saw a story for the New York City magazine he worked for. He would stick around to learn more–plus reconnecting with this college girlfriend was also attractive.

Surprisingly, Zeke is allowed access to the closed group and is invited to participate in their worship. Natan invites him to interview him in prison and give Zeke his journal. He names Zeke as his scribe, giving him free access. The AK-47 toting Hasidim at the gates had to let him in.

Zeke is fascinated by the sect’s mysticism that offers an experience lacking in mainstream religion. As Zeke is drawn deeper into the cult, getting high and experiencing their ecstatic state of being, he also becomes a threat to the locals. His rental car is shot at, and his room is broken into and trashed. He has stumbled into something bigger than he expected.

Then, there is his revived relationship with his ex, a lawyer who loved her Ohio home and isn’t interested in living in New York city.

I was glad to read this as an ebook where I could click on words and terms to understand Jewish and esoteric religious terminologies.

Torday’s book combines elements of a thriller with a deep exploration of our quest for transcendence and the lure of false prophets.

I received a free egallery from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased. ( )