SOURCE: "The Melody of Davita's Harp May Be New, but Author Chaim Potok's Judaic Themes Are Familiar," in People Weekly, May 6, 1985, pp. 81-3.

In the following review, Reed discusses Davita's Harp, Potok's early literary career, and reception of his fiction in the Jewish community.

Chaim Potok and his wife, Adena, chanced upon the pear-shaped butternut wood instrument during the summer of 1983, while browsing in a Vermont country store. The proprietor explained that it was a door harp, commonly found in the entryways of local houses. Captivated by the sounds the four maplewood balls made as they struck the piano strings, the Potoks bought it and hung in their kitchen.

Two years later the harp has emerged as the prominent and resonant symbol in Potok's sixth and latest novel, Davita's Harp. This time the bearded, best-selling chronicler of life among the Hasidim (The Chosen, The Promise, My Name Is...