It would have been interesting enough to read about either one, but Helene Wecker gives us the tale of both a golem and a jinni trying their best to blend in during 1899 in New York City. The long arm of coincidence stretches a bit far at times in this otherwise mesmerizing story as the viewpoints switch often. In the hands of a lesser author this could have come off as just another retelling of a familiar theme but the real strength here is the characterization, especially the way they evolve over time. Will the golem overcome her tendency to be subservient? Can the jinni find happiness when all he wants is to return to his people in the desert? The author does an amazing job making the reader care about the characters and spins a tale reminiscent of 1001 Arabian Nights only with lots more depth. Definitely worth picking up.