When the Angels Left the Old Country

Sacha Lamb
52 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
YA
Published in 2022

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

Sacha Lamb

When the Angels Left the Old Country

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

408

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

•

Jewish Literature

•

Historical Fiction
Setting

Eastern Europe • Early 20th Century

Theme
Grief

•

Hate & Anger

•

Gender Identity
Topic
LGBTQ+

•

World History

•

Religion & Spirituality
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

Levine Querido

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Sacha Lamb’s debut YA fantasy novel, When the Angels Left the Old Country, the demon Little Ash and the angel Uriel leave their small shtetl to find Essie, a girl who disappeared en route to America. Joined by Rose, they navigate the perils of immigration and face evil forces, all while growing closer and learning to embrace their identities. The book includes descriptions of violence, prejudice, and antisemitism.

Mysterious

Fantastical

Emotional

Adventurous

Reviews & Readership

4.3

4,440 ratings

83%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb blends Jewish folklore with a queer coming-of-age tale. Reviewers praise its rich, nuanced characters and evocative storytelling. However, some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it is heralded for its compelling narrative and cultural depth, though a few readers may be deterred by its slower sections.

Who should read this

Who Should Read When the Angels Left the Old Country?

A reader who enjoys When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb would likely appreciate historical novels with a mix of magical realism and Jewish cultural elements. Fans of Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay or Markus Zusak's The Book Thief would find this book compelling.

4.3

4,440 ratings

83%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

A demon and the cunning companion of an angel, who often takes the lead in their adventures and exhibits a strong desire to see America. His relationship with the angel leads to significant character development over the course of the story.

An angelic being who transforms significantly throughout the narrative, gaining a name, free will, and human-like qualities such as experiencing desire and emotion. Uriel's journey is marked by a growing connection with Little Ash.

A human adolescent navigating her LGBTQIA+ identity, motivated initially by anger and a desire for revenge. Her journey includes self-discovery and personal growth, which is further enriched by her interactions with Little Ash and Uriel.

A secondary character who offers wisdom and guidance to Little Ash, Uriel, and Rose on their voyage. Known for her morally nuanced perspective, she provides a human counterbalance to the otherwise supernatural elements.

A strong and independent girl working for Mr. Boaz, who becomes a pivotal character in the lives of Rose, Little Ash, and Uriel. Her involvement in the strike showcases her commitment to her community.

A ghost from Rose's hometown who transforms into an antagonist, initially appearing benevolent but later becoming a dybbuk seeking vengeance. His journey highlights the challenges of reconciling past lives with the new world.

An antagonist who manipulates immigrants by making them indebted and exploiting their vulnerabilities. His connections to Mr. Boaz and the factory system complicate the lives of the main characters.

An Irish American gangster and formidable antagonist who represents the dangers of greed and violence in the new world. His threatening presence exacerbates the challenges faced by Little Ash, Uriel, and Rose.

Book Details
Pages

408

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

•

Jewish Literature

•

Historical Fiction
Setting

Eastern Europe • Early 20th Century

Theme
Grief

•

Hate & Anger

•

Gender Identity
Topic
LGBTQ+

•

World History

•

Religion & Spirituality
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

Levine Querido

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Buy This Book

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,950+ additional titles.