By Carlos Haag, FSWC Educator

Night Owls is an enthralling debut novel by American author A.R. Vishny. It blends Jewish folklore with urban fantasy, creating a unique narrative that will captivate young readers. Set in New York City, it follows the adventures of Clara and Molly as they navigate the shadows for over a century. The girls are "estries," female vampires from Jewish folklore, with a name derived from a French term meaning night owl.

By day, the sisters manage the Grand Dame Cinema, once a Yiddish theatre. Clara adheres strictly to the rules designed to ensure their survival: operating the theatre during the day, transforming into owls at night, secretly feeding on Jewish men and avoiding romantic entanglements. However, Molly is a rebel; she has fallen in love with Anat, a New York University drama student. When he mysteriously disappears, Clara and Molly plunge into the perilous depths of New York's supernatural underworld.

Complicating matters is Boaz, the theatre's enigmatic box office attendant, who possesses the ability to communicate with the dead. As spectral entities grow increasingly intrusive, the trio must confront their deepest fears and desires. Clara's adherence to rules is tested, revealing that sometimes breaking boundaries is essential for preserving those we cherish.

Vishny's narrative excels in its rich portrayal of Jewish culture and folklore, introducing readers to lesser-known figures of vampire mythology. She explores the intricacies of Yiddish theatre and the haunting legacy of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire - a disaster in New York City where 146 young immigrant workers died because they were trapped in a sweatshop with locked doors. The book also discusses the enduring impact of blood libel accusations, a false antisemitic claim that Jews murder Christians for ritual purposes, all while maintaining a contemporary tone that resonates with readers.

The character dynamics in Night Owls are exceptionally engaging and authentic. Clara's internal struggle between duty and desire, Molly's yearning for a genuine connection, and Boaz's quest for normalcy amidst chaos are intricately interwoven, offering readers a multifaceted exploration of identity, love and tradition. The book has received significant acclaim, winning the 2024 National Jewish Book Award and the Sydney Taylor Book Award.

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