Reviews

Hier ben ik by Tjadine Stheeman, Gerda Baardman, Jonathan Safran Foer

klarastan's review against another edition

1.0

Utterly baffling.

Also, a doorknob? Really? Has the author met/known any actual women before?

pearloz's review against another edition

4.0

A lesser JSF, I found the writing itself the most compelling aspect of the book; the characters were all upper-middle-class and super-duper clever, even the kids were all precociously above-average--they all seemed like caricatures after a time; the plot--separation/divorce amid death of family and death of history and death of Israel (?)--was so besides the point, I almost wonder why it was included at all--to add another dimension to his Woody Allen-ness? Anyhow, a slighter JSF is still an above-average book, but I was really hoping for more.

pino_sabatelli's review against another edition

1.0

Seicentosessanta interminabili pagine di selvagge pratiche di onanismo mentale.
Raramente ho letto un libro così pretenzioso, fasullo e brutto.
Tanto ho amato "Molto forte, incredibilmente vicino", quanto ho detestato questo.

manaledi's review against another edition

5.0

This book made me feel more Jewish than I do on a day to day basis and I appreciated the nuance and commentary and analysis of what it means to be an American Jew. That aside, I think the family-marriage aspect of this book was much stronger than the geopolitical crisis aspect.

pineconek's review against another edition

5.0

I understand all the criticisms of Foer and I love him nevertheless. I grew up in an Eastern European family that immigrated to North America and deeply affected by the holocaust and everything that followed. Our entire social circle was comprised of these types of families. I see myself (and them) in this book - tackling themes of trauma, memory, identity, love, family history, loyalty... I'm not sure if I'd love this book if I didn't relate so completely to it.

torintorin's review against another edition

2.0

Never met such a whiner as Jacob in my whole life

courtandspark's review against another edition

5.0

4.5. It's been a long time since I've stayed up til midnight reading. I really enjoyed this.

marydaleo's review against another edition

5.0

This is by far the most emotionally charged and uncomfortably poignant book I have read this year in its portrayal of love in its many forms, and absence of love in its many forms, and the fragile bridge of trust we walk in creating or destroying that love. I also learned a lot about Judaism, and I thought the context of four generations of Jews living in both America and Israel added a dimension to an otherwise beautiful story that made it almost magical. I recommend this book to everyone. All humans. But maybe if you're going through a divorce and are feeling a little down on yourself, wait a bit.

rebeccanotbecky's review against another edition

3.0

I feel like this should 3.5 stars. I really liked it but it wasn't transcendent like his earlier works. It's not for everyone but it worked for me!

itsroryo's review against another edition

dark emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5