You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
sterling8 's review for:
The Yiddish Policemen's Union
by Michael Chabon
It was a bit of a slow start, but once I got into this book, I was amazed at the quality of writing and imagination. We've got a well-imagined alternate history, in which the Jewish occupation of Jerusalem failed, but in which they mostly migrated to Alaska, where they were given temporary residence. It's a fact the the zionists were not 100% set on the reoccupation of Jerusalem- they were also looking at South America, and even possibly Alaska, as places to settle. They mostly wanted a Jewish homeland- somewhere.
So, this idea is made flesh in this book. If you can possibly imagine hardboiled Jewish detective noir, this is it. I was slow to relate to Landsman, the main character- he's damn depressing. But the inhospitable, raggedy, thoroughly Jewish setting got to me. I had to know more. Orthodox Jewish gangsters? Why not? A heroin addict who might also be the Messiah? What next? A humongous Tlingit/Jewish detective partner who has a war hammer he carries around for effect? Great!
I think this book ended up being about the idea of home, and what people will do to find or make one. At least, that's the theme I saw popping up again and again. As far as the mystery goes, I don't know if it was well-constructed or not. I didn't see the denouement coming, but I was more wrapped up in the ride than the destination with this one. My only nitpick is the ending was almost incongruously optimistic and naive for such a dark book. Or did idealism triumph, even knowing the likely bad ending?
Why don't I read more Michael Chabon? Must remedy this situation.
So, this idea is made flesh in this book. If you can possibly imagine hardboiled Jewish detective noir, this is it. I was slow to relate to Landsman, the main character- he's damn depressing. But the inhospitable, raggedy, thoroughly Jewish setting got to me. I had to know more. Orthodox Jewish gangsters? Why not? A heroin addict who might also be the Messiah? What next? A humongous Tlingit/Jewish detective partner who has a war hammer he carries around for effect? Great!
I think this book ended up being about the idea of home, and what people will do to find or make one. At least, that's the theme I saw popping up again and again. As far as the mystery goes, I don't know if it was well-constructed or not. I didn't see the denouement coming, but I was more wrapped up in the ride than the destination with this one. My only nitpick is the ending was almost incongruously optimistic and naive for such a dark book. Or did idealism triumph, even knowing the likely bad ending?
Why don't I read more Michael Chabon? Must remedy this situation.