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Books matching: jewish american experience

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  1. #1

    The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow
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    'The Adventures of Augie March' by Saul Bellow is a novel that follows the life of Augie March, a poor Jewish boy growing up during the Depression in Chicago. The story is long and descriptive of the hardships of that time, with Augie depicted as a flawed character who navigates through various jobs, women, and war experiences without significant growth or maturity. The writing style of Bellow is described as complex, with long, dense descriptions of characters and settings, and references to mythology and philosophy woven throughout the narrative.

    The plot of 'The Adventures of Augie March' is a rambling picaresque set in Chicago and Mexico, showcasing Augie's adventures and encounters with diverse characters. Bellow's writing is praised for its excellent prose, detailed characterizations, and sharp observations, capturing the spirit of Chicago and presenting a mix of humor, heart, and profound insights into American life during the 1930s and 1940s.

    I am an American, Chicago born—Chicago, that somber city—and go at things as I have taught myself, free-style, and will make the record in my own way: first to knock, first admitted; sometimes an inno...

  2. #2

    Herzog by Saul Bellow
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    'Herzog' by Saul Bellow follows the story of Moses Herzog, a middle-aged professor going through an existential crisis after his wife leaves him for another man. The narrative delves into Herzog's internal monologue, philosophical musings, and his struggle to find peace amidst personal turmoil. Through a series of unsent letters to various people, Herzog navigates through his past marriages, academic career, and infidelities, all while grappling with his own mental breakdown.

    Bellow's writing style in 'Herzog' is rich in language and works on multiple levels, seamlessly blending almost subconscious feelings with great philosophical questions of western man. is described as a masterpiece of an idealist novel, offering deep insights into the protagonist's psyche and showcasing Bellow's profound understanding of human psychology. The narrative is introspective, complex, and thought-provoking, reminiscent of works by existentialist writers like Sartre and Camus.

    At that time he had been giving adult-education lectures in a New York night school. He was clear enough in April but by the end of May he began to ramble. It became apparent to his students that they...

  3. #3

    Fierce Attachments: A Memoir by Vivian Gornick
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    Fierce Attachments: A Memoir by Vivian Gornick is a reflective narrative that delves into the complex relationship between the author and her mother, set against the backdrop of their Bronx neighborhood. Gornick chronicles her struggles with her acerbic mother and her search for companionship, particularly with the enigmatic figure of Nettie. The memoir explores themes of female relationships, generational influences, and the protagonist's internal search for identity through vivid prose and detailed characterizations.


  4. #4

    The Good People of New York by Thisbe Nissen
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    The novel "The Good People of New York" by Thisbe Nissen follows the lives of Roz Rosenzweig, a New York Jewish woman, and her husband Edwin Anderson from Nebraska. The story delves into their relationship, marriage, and the birth of their daughter Miranda, who becomes the central focus as she grows up. The narrative is character-driven, showcasing the evolution of each character over time, with a particular emphasis on Miranda's coming of age experiences, relationships, and interactions with her mother Roz.

    The book is written in a witty and humorous style, capturing the essence of New York and its cosmopolitan feel. It explores themes of love, marriage, growing up, and mother-daughter relationships in a nuanced and insightful manner. The author skillfully weaves together different perspectives, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the lives of the characters and their journey through various stages of life.


  5. #5

    City Boy by Herman Wouk
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    In "City Boy" by Herman Wouk, the story follows the adventures of Herbie Bookbinder, a precocious 11-year-old Jewish boy growing up in the Bronx in the 1920s. The narrative captures Herbie's journey as he navigates summer camp experiences, school life, and his first crush on a girl named Lucille Glass. The plot revolves around Herbie's attempts to impress Lucille by building an amusement park ride for a camp event, leading to a series of madcap adventures involving theft, friendship, and personal growth. Wouk's writing style is described as humorous, charming, and nostalgic, with a focus on capturing the voice and motivations of an eleven-year-old boy in a relatable and endearing manner.

    On a golden May morning in the sixth year of Calvin Coolidge's presidency, a stout little dark-haired boy named Herbert Bookbinder, dressed in a white shirt, a blue tie and gray knee breeches, sat at ...

  6. #6

    Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth
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    Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth is a darkly humorous examination of Alexander Portnoy's upbringing and its impact on his extreme sexual longings, all narrated as a monologue to his psychiatrist. The book delves into Portnoy's complaints about his family, religion, and relationships, offering a satirical take on the individual's struggle against societal norms, particularly in the context of Jewish American experience. The writing style is described as relentless, with a mix of humor and disturbing elements that keep readers engaged.


  7. #7

    The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen
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    The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen is a satirical novel that delves into the lives of the Netanyahu family, focusing on characters like Benzion, Sara, Yonatan, Bibi, and Iddo. The book offers a blend of family dynamics, office politics, religious themes, and political commentary. It provides insights into Jewish thinking, Israeli military policy, and cultural aspects, all while maintaining a humorous and erudite writing style. The narrative follows the Netanyahus during a short visit to a fictional college, drawing parallels to real historical events and characters like Harold Bloom.


  8. #8

    Goodbye, Columbus by Philip Roth
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    'Goodbye, Columbus' by Philip Roth is a collection of stories that delve into the Jewish American experience, portraying characters dealing with issues of identity, love, class divide, and cultural heritage. The stories capture the complexities of relationships, societal expectations, and personal struggles within the Jewish community in mid-20th century America. Through vivid storytelling and realistic portrayals, Roth explores themes of assimilation, disenfranchisement, and the challenges faced by individuals navigating their cultural backgrounds in a changing world.


  9. #9

    Good as Gold by Joseph Heller
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    'Good as Gold' by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel that delves into the life of Bruce Gold, a college professor and the youngest son in a Jewish family, who is offered a position as Secretary of State. The book follows the upheaval in Gold's life as he navigates academia and politics, showcasing the hypocrisy and greed prevalent in both spheres. Through witty wordplay and sharp humor, Heller skewers the academia and government officials, notably taking aim at figures like Henry Kissinger. The narrative also explores Gold's internal struggles with his family dynamics, career choices, and societal expectations, painting a complex portrait of a man undergoing a midlife crisis.

    Heller's writing style in 'Good as Gold' is characterized by intelligent satire, dark humor, and intricate wordplay. The book offers a multi-layered narrative that intertwines political commentary with personal introspection, creating a thought-provoking and relevant exploration of power, wealth, and influence. Despite some readers finding the plot at times abstract or tiresome, the novel effectively captures the essence of Jewish-American experience, government satire, and midlife disillusionment, making it a compelling and insightful read.

    GOLD HAD BEEN asked many times to write about the Jewish experience in America. This was not strictly true. He’d been asked only twice, most recently by a woman in Wilmington, Delaware, where he had g...

  10. #10

    Call It Sleep by Henry Roth
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    The novel "Call It Sleep" by Henry Roth is a poignant portrayal of the immigrant experience in early 20th-century New York City. The story follows David, a young Jewish boy raised by Polish immigrant parents, as he navigates the harsh realities of urban life in neighborhoods like Brownsville and the Lower East Side. Through David's eyes, the reader witnesses the struggles of assimilation, family dynamics, and the quest for identity in a diverse and challenging environment. The book delves deep into themes of childhood trauma, depression, and the complexities of growing up in a multicultural society, all while painting a vivid picture of the bustling cityscape and the intimate struggles within immigrant families.

    THE small white steamer, Peter Stuyvesant., that delivered the immigrants from the stench and throb of the steerage to the stench and the throb of New York tenements, rolled slightly on the water besi...

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