Mystics of Mile End

Sigal Samuels debut novel, in the vein of Nicole Krausss bestselling The History of Love, is an imaginative story that delves into the heart of Jewish mysticism, faith, and family.

“This is not an ordinary tree I am making.

“This,” he said, “this is the Tree of Knowledge.” 

In the half-Hasidic, half-hipster Montreal neighborhood of Mile End, eleven-year-old Lev Meyer is discovering that there may be a place for Judaism in his life. As he learns about science in his day school, Lev begins his own extracurricular study of the Bibles Tree of Knowledge with neighbor Mr. Katz, who is building his own Tree out of trash. Meanwhile his sister Samara is secretly studying for her Bat Mitzvah with next-door neighbor and Holocaust survivor, Mr. Glassman. All the while his father, David, a professor of Jewish mysticism, is a non-believer.

When, years later, David has a heart attack, he begins to believe God is speaking to him. While having an affair with one of his students, he delves into the complexities of Kabbalah. Months later Samara, too, grows obsessed with the Kabbalahs Tree of Life—hiding her interest from those who love her most-and is overcome with reaching the Trees highest heights. The neighbors of Mile End have been there all along, but only one of them can catch her when she falls.

“An absorbing tale of one familys search for meaning, The Mystics of Mile End is a beautiful and at times heartbreaking read.” - Anya Ulinich, author of Lena Finkle's Magic Barrel

“This skillfully spun story forces us to look at lifes toughest questions, while we marvel at its everyday beauty and heartbreak.” - Lee Woodruff, author of In an Instant and Those We Love Most

“A remarkable debut where varying perspectives on faith, family, and the search for meaning are explored by characters brought to life with a profound sense of empathy for what it means to be human.” -- Simon Van Booy, author of Everything Beautiful Began After

“The ‘Mystics in Sigal Samuels charming and generous book may be found near the intersection of Nicole Krausss The History of Love, Jhumpa Lahiris The Namesake, and Mordecai Richlers The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz. This wonderfully self-assured debut explores the perils of faith and doubt.” -- Adam Langer, Crossing California

“Every character in this outstanding first novel is searching for a reason to exist…The need for human relationships and mysticisms relationship to life impel them forward…This heart-stopping narrative will keep readers glued until the very end.” -- Library Journal Starred Review

“Rarely does one encounter a novel as full of charm and heart as Sigal Samuels riveting The Mystics of Mile End...A novel that takes up enormous questions - about the very nature of existence - with both profound intelligence and galloping humor. Before you crack open this book, be forewarned: You will fall in love.” -- Joanna Rakoff, My Salinger Year

“A family is pulled to Jewish mysticism...in this expansive saga about faith, love, and loss…The minor characters, ever present in the background, shine as their stories conclude powerfully…A tale about the stories we let ourselves believe.” -- Kirkus Review