The Dyke and the Dybbuk

Ellen Galford's "The Dyke and the Dybbuk" is a satirical fantasy novel that reimagines Jewish folklore for a modern audience. It follows Kokos, a soul-stealing dybbuk, who, after 200 years trapped in a tree, is released into 20th-century London. Tasked by her corporate "Head Office" to haunt Rainbow Rosenbloom, a fiercely independent lesbian taxi driver and film critic, Kokos finds her ancient methods challenged by Rainbow's already unconventional life. The novel cleverly blends humor, Jewish mysticism, and sharp social commentary, exploring themes of identity, tradition, and what it means to be "normal." It's a Lambda Literary Award winner, praised for its craft, camp, and chutzpah, making it suitable for mature young adult readers and adults interested in LGBTQ+ themes and satirical fantasy.

Dybbuk Kokos, a feisty soul-stealing demon of medieval Jewish folklore, has been trapped in a tree for two hundred years. When lightning strikes and Kokos is released, she finds herself in the world of the 20th century -- as the disgruntled employee of the multinational corporation, Mephistco. In order to keep her job and fulfill an ancient curse, Kokos must hunt down the descendant of the woman she was instructed to haunt centuries ago. No easy task, as that descendant happens to be Rainbow Rosenbloom -- London taxi-driver, film critic, lesbian, and niece to a pack of formidable aunts. As the hilarious tale unfolds, both Rainbow and her dybbuk discover that History still holds a few tricks up her sleeve.