My Name Is Asher Lev Chapter Summary & Analysis | Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Summary

Asher claims that his artistic gift is a mystery, but he looks back at his ancestors in an attempt to understand the origin of his talent. Asher's father's great-great-grandfather lived in Russia, where he managed a nobleman's large estate. The wealthy nobleman, who was not Jewish, frequently became violent when he was drunk. Asher's father's great-great-grandfather eventually left the estate to lead a life of travel. According to Asher's father, his ancestor performed good deeds to bring the Master of the Universe into the world. Asher's mother says that he traveled to help people. In Asher's childhood dreams, his father's great-great-grandfather appears as a frightening figure, and he refers to him as the mythical ancestor.

Asher's father's father, also named Asher Lev, lived a scholar's life. He was admiringly called the Genius of Mozyn, after his hometown in Russia. At fifty, Asher's grandfather left Mozyn with his wife and children...
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