Temporary Agency

Ellen Pierson experiences strange events after taking a temp job at a Manhattan investment firm. Her encounters lead her to discover an underground world of magic and ritual existing alongside modern New York City. She meets a mysterious woman named Sarah who becomes her guide through this hidden realm of spirits, ceremonies, and ancient powers. As Ellen learns more about this parallel reality, she must confront forces that threaten both her own safety and the fabric of everyday life. Questions of identity, power, and the nature of reality drive the narrative as it moves between corporate offices and occult gatherings. The book combines elements of urban fantasy with metaphysical themes about consciousness and transformation.

Readers highlight the book's unique blend of Jewish mysticism and supernatural horror, with many noting how it builds on themes from Pollack's earlier work "Unquenchable Fire." Common praise focuses on: - Rich atmospheric descriptions of New York City - Complex mother-daughter relationships - Integration of Kabbalah concepts into modern fantasy Main criticisms: - Pacing issues in the middle section - Some mystical elements feel underdeveloped - Characters' motivations can be unclear Review Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) Sample reader comments: "The mysticism feels authentic rather than appropriated" - Goodreads reviewer "Middle section drags but worth pushing through for the finale" - Amazon review "More accessible than Unquenchable Fire but retains the depth" - LibraryThing user Other review sources lack sufficient ratings to be statistically meaningful. The book receives limited online discussion compared to Pollack's other works.

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🌟 Rachel Pollack also wrote the influential "78 Degrees of Wisdom," considered by many to be one of the definitive works on Tarot card interpretation 🌟 "Temporary Agency" blends elements of Jewish mysticism with contemporary fantasy, drawing on the author's deep knowledge of Kabbalah and occult traditions 🌟 The book is part of a loose series that includes "Unquenchable Fire," which won the Arthur C. Clarke Award in 1989 🌟 The novel explores themes of gender identity and transformation, reflecting Pollack's own experiences as a transgender woman and her work as an activist 🌟 Many of the supernatural elements in "Temporary Agency" are based on actual folklore and mystical practices from various cultures, particularly Jewish and Native American traditions