In David and Jonathan, Voigt has written a poignant tale of coming-of-age.

One of the novel's strengths is that it focuses on crucial issues and confronts them with realism. Voigt does not avoid the horrors of the Holocaust, the savagery of war, or the inevitable suicide of David. She realistically presents the darker aspects of life: Jonathan is left partially blind; Mrs. Nafiche is alcoholic; and Jonathan's sister is barren due to back street abortions. The book also raises open-ended questions that give the reader room to develop understanding. As Jonathan and Henry grapple to answer questions about man's place in the universe, about the nature of God, about the purpose of suffering, about guilt and responsibility, the reader is led to consider them also.

Another strength of this work is the skill with which Voigt has drawn the characters. Henry and Jonathan dominate the story...