Strange Horizons, November 11, 2019

“Whom My Soul Loves” by Rivqa Rafael

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

“Whom My Soul Loves” by Rivqa Rafael is a brief, simple tale about a woman who struggles to exorcise a dybbuk, the spirit of a dead person who possesses the body of a living person. After learning the identity of the dead woman who became a dybbuk, she discovers the reason for the possession. It turns out that the exorcist and the dybbuk have something in common, leading to a hopeful resolution.

The author creates a convincing mixture of ancient Jewish folklore and modern urban life. The characters seem very real. The theme, which could have easily crossed the line into excessive political correctness, instead becomes more effective because of the story’s gentle, empathetic tone.

Victoria Silverwolf has been binge watching Forever Knight lately.