A review by meshuganush
The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I struggled to get into this book in the beginning. Connecting with Meyer Landsman was not the easiest, he's an alcoholic detective who "knows" he's a  better detective than all other detectives. But eventually the mystery, the story and the growth of character pulled me in. 

I ended up really enjoying this book and appreciating the relationship between the characters, especially Meyer and his ex-wife, Bina. I thought what the author did with them was really good. 

Was also impressed with the cleverness of swapping out words for imagined Yiddish slang for example a cell phone becomes a shofar. Once I caught onto it, very fun. However, also part of why I struggled to get into the story in the beginning. Even if you have some knowledge of Yiddish and Hebrew the glossary at the back of the book is absolutely necessary.
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