The 12 Best Jewish Literature Books
Book RaiderCould this bagel and lox loving guinea pig get more stereotypically Jewish? The truth is, while I adore a good schmear, the real essence of my Jewishness comes from a source far richer than food. It rocks and reeks of wisdom, wrinkled pages, and woeful tales of historical misfortunes. Yes, you’ve guessed it right - Jewish literature. Sofas! Because who needs comfortable cushions when you’ve got books that cushion your soul?
From the lyrical melancholy of Isaac Bashevis Singer to the bold storytelling prowess of Amos Oz, Jewish authors have spun tales that transcend the boundaries of time and geography. They sprinkle a magic that lingers, stirs the heart, and incites the mind. So whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge about Jewish culture, seeking some existential solace or simply escaping in the mesmerising world of brilliant story-telling, this list of the best Jewish literature books is your express pass into the vibrant universe of Jewish narratives. Now, let's venture together into this literary Promised Land, shall we?
Here I Am
by Jonathan Safran Foer
Why Here I Am is on this list: Here I Am takes a deep dive into the complexities of Jewish identity, making it one of the chic books on this list. The reader can expect a mix of humor and heavy subjects, typical of Jewish literature, with a bit of comfort food thrown in the mix.
Here I Am introduces us to the Bloch family's everyday life, as they grapple with their identity amidst personal challenges. They deal with a failing marriage, a misunderstood son, a crisis in Israel, and a deceased family pet. The title, 'Here I Am,' is a biblical reference, showing our willingness to fulfill what is expected of us. As funny as it sounds, it's life boiled down into 592 pages.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the brutally honest portrayal of family dynamics layered with existential questioning. Safran Foer's intimate writing will almost make you feel like a part of the Bloch family (minus the clean-up). His relatable humor and the novel's strong Jewish elements have received a thumbs-up from readers worldwide.
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Son of a Trickster
by Eden Robinson
Why Son of a Trickster is on this list: Though Eden Robinson is not Jewish, she beautifully portrays a family's struggle with substance abuse and the complexities of identity in a deeply human and universal way. These themes resonate with many Jewish literature works, making her book Son of a Trickster, a compelling addition to our list
Son of a Trickster wanders into the life of Jared, a caring teenager with a knack for making people laugh, who lives his life helping others with their problems while forgetting his own. He is also the son of a Trickster who tosses him into a world zinging with magic, unpredictability, and more complications than a teenager ideally should have. Essentially it's a tale of a teenager, who thinks he's normal but is sadly mistaken, attempting to maintain his everyday routine while juggling a supernatural background, a dysfunctional family and substance abuse. Quite the mixture, isn't it?
What readers like: Readers particularly enjoy Eden Robinson's ability to blend humor, emotion, and the supernatural into a finely woven narrative. Jared's character is relatable, and his journey is packed full of surprises. The grittiness of the theme combined with brilliant storytelling makes this a compelling read. Also, the book's unique perspective into indigenous culture adds a level of richness and depth that makes it stand out even more.
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Nine Folds Make a Paper Swan
by Ruth Gilligan
Why Nine Folds Make a Paper Swan is on this list: Irish author Ruth Gilligan intricately weaves a narrative spanning over a hundred years and three generations, uncovering the lesser-known stories of Jews in Ireland. This novel offers a unique perspective to Jewish literature, shining a light on religious questions and cultural challenges within an unexpected environment.
This novel tells the tales of Lithuanian Jewish immigrants who mistakenly land in Cork, a young Irish reporter desperate to find his voice in the swirling 1960s of Dublin, and a modern-day London woman grappling with her Jewish-Irish heritage. Gilligan beautifully knits together these three narratives to illustrate the complex relationships between love, language, silence, and identity.
What readers like: Readers love Gilligan's lyrical writing style, and the heartfelt and intimate connection she develops with her characters. They appreciate the intertwining narratives that help paint a vivid, cross-generational exploration of Jewish-Irish identity. The book's hauntingly beautiful prose and compelling storyline keeps readers engrossed till the very last page.
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The Weight of Ink
by Rachel Kadish
Why The Weight of Ink is on this list: Rachel Kadish weaves a beautiful tapestry of Jewish history, philosophy, and intricate human relationships in the heart of 17th century London and its present day. This makes 'The Weight of Ink' a jewel in the realm of Jewish literature.
Picture this: a trove of 17th century Jewish documents discovered in twenty-first century London hinting at a profound, powerful woman whose identity screams to be revealed. This woman, Ester Velasquez, is an emigrant from Amsterdam who is permitted to scribe for a blind rabbi, marking the beginning of a poignant tale that spans centuries. It touches upon the musings of philosophers, barriers faced by women, and the joy and despair in the secret corners of life - all while embracing its Jewish roots.
What readers like: Readers adore the intelligent and determined heroine, Ester, finding themselves cheering for her in a world stacked against her. They appreciate the rich detail, Kadish's outstanding research, the deeply layered characters, and the poignant pursuit of knowledge. Could you be the next one lost in this enchanting narrative? You'll have to crack open 'The Weight of Ink' to find out.
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The Last Flight of Poxl West
by Daniel Torday
Why The Last Flight of Poxl West is on this list: While some Jewish literature focuses strictly on historical events or religious themes, this book offers a refreshing take by blending history, fiction, and a dash of aviation. It's as Jewish as bagel and lox, but with a side of edge-of-your-seat aviation thrills.
Picture a gripping tale of a Czech Jew - the larger-than-life Poxl West - who escapes the oncoming Holocaust in Europe only to find himself engaged in the chaotic whirlwind of World War II as a bomber pilot. This novel ticks all the right boxes: it's historical, it's moving, and it's penned with a unique literary artistry that's hard to put down. Blissfully, it unfolds through the eyes of Poxl’s doting nephew, which gives it such a personal, emotive feel.
What readers like: Readers are loving the Stoic yet endearing Poxl, the war-ravaged European backdrop, and the authentic portrayal of Jewish history. The storytelling brilliance, topped off with a cinematic climax, are also turning heads and hearts. And if you're one to appreciate the delicate blend of real and fictional elements, you are in for a treat.
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The Sunlit Night
by Rebecca Dinerstein
Why The Sunlit Night is on this list: Rebecca Dinerstein manages to pour the Jewish lifestyle, experiences and sensibilities into her heartwarming tale. The narrative is enriched with Jewish culture, heritage and sentiment which makes it a significant addition to Jewish literature.
The Sunlit Night is about a quirky girl named Frances, as an underemployed, overeducated, creatively lpromised New Yorker, she takes an apprenticeship with a Norwegian artist known for his 'renditions of the moonlight'. Simultaneously, Yasha, a young Russian immigrant forsaken by his father, heads north in search of the midnight sun, ending up in the beautiful but desolate top of the world. These two lost souls find each other in the Arctic circle and under the never-setting sun, they discover the redemptive power of love. Sounds dreamy, right?
What readers like: Readers love Dinerstein's prose that is just as luminous as the Norwegian sea under the midnight sun. The characters Frances and Yasha are beautifully flawed and real, which adds to the relatability factor. But the star attraction is the way the author blends the nitty-gritty of Jewish and immigrant life into the surreal, artistic backdrop of rural Norway. A real treat for those who like their books with a generous side of culture and charm.
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The Mystics of Mile End
by Sigal Samuel
Why The Mystics of Mile End is on this list: If you thought your family was weird, wait till you meet the Meyers, a Jewish family living in Montreal's Mile End district. This book does an excellent job of intertwining profound Jewish themes and mysticism into a 21st-century setting.
The Mystics of Mile End brings you into the lives of a dysfunctional Jewish family obsessed with climbing the mystical Tree of Life. Brother and sister Lev and Samara, under the shadow of their intellectual father David, traverse through various rungs of the Kabbalah’s Sefirot. Amidst their deep dives into Jewish philosophy and mysticism, the family must grapple with everyday challenges, personal relationships, and life's uncertainties.
What readers like: Readers swoon over the complexity of the characters, the philosophical and spiritual depth, and the interesting exploration of Jewish mysticism in a modern context. They also applaud the seamless blending of humor, warmth, and dark undertones. Flawed, human, and full of angst, the story of the Meyer family feels real, relatable, and downright addictive.
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Invisible City
by Julia Dahl
Why Invisible City is on this list: Not only is Invisible City an exciting and thought-provoking mystery, but it also provides a deep-dive into the happenings of the Hasidic Jewish community. The story mirrors the Jewish culture and that makes it a fitting piece for the list of 'Best Jewish Literature Books'.
Invisible City tells the tale of Rebekah Roberts, a young journalist, who stumbles upon a murder case in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community of Brooklyn. As Rebekah delves into the case, she also delves into her own complicated history with Judaism, weaving a complex narrative that will keep you hooked till the last page.
What readers like: Invisible City is a sweet blend of a unique cultural narrative and a thrilling mystery plot. Readers love the depth of the characters, the rich cultural backdrop, and the sense of suspense that wraps around every page. It's like your favorite coffee blend, but in book form - rich, strong, and keeps you awake at night.
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A Curable Romantic
by Joseph Skibell
Why A Curable Romantic is on this list: ‘A Curable Romantic’ by Joseph Skibell is a perfect spectacle of Jewish literature that deeply appreciates Jewish tradition and history intertwining it with a surrealistic, yet emotional narrative.
This novel may sound like it's some sappy love story (because who doesn’t love a good drama?), but trust me, it's much more complex than that. It's about a guy named Dr. Jakob Sammelsohn who involuntarily falls in love with rather inconvenient spirits (talk about serious relationship issues, am I right?). This enchanting journey takes us across different periods of history from Freud's Vienna to wartime Poland, with a ton of Jewish history, faith, and spiritualism beautifully woven in.
What readers like: Readers love Skibell’s magical blend of reality and supernatural, his impeccable way of creating characters that are deeply flawed yet likable, and his ability to touch hearts with unexpected turns of life, love, and spiritual encounters. It’s a wild, historical ride that mentally transports you smack dab into the heart of Jewish tradition and history.
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And After the Fire
by Lauren Belfer
Why And After the Fire is on this list: This novel does not merely dip its toes into the pool of Jewish history and culture, it jumps right in, resolving to explore the depths. Exploring the very core of Jewish life, identity, and spirituality, this book is a true example of modern Jewish literature
And After the Fire is an enchanting tale that weaves together two stories separated by centuries but tied by a mystic, unheard Bach cantata. In 18th century Berlin, Sara Itzig Levy hides a controversial Bach manuscript, a gift from her teacher who had to flee from the upsurge of anti-Semitism. And in modern New York, Susanna Kessler grieves her uncle’s death and stumbles upon the same sheet music tucked away in his belongings.
What readers like: Readers are drawn to the intricate details, historical authenticity, and how Belfer explores the beauty as well as the conflict inside religious faith. They also love the tangled web of mysteries that keep them turning the pages longer than any responsible adult should
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The Flight Portfolio
by Julie Orringer
Why The Flight Portfolio is on this list: The Flight Portfolio provides a gripping dramatization of World War II, focusing on a Jewish-American journalist - rare in mainstream literature. It's a compelling mix of historical events, Jewish heritage, and human conditions that is bound to leave you pondering.
This hefty tome is a fictionalized story of Varian Fry, an American journalist, who ended up saving the lives of Jewish artists and writers during the horrifying era of the Holocaust. Fry put everything on the line: his career, love, and personal safety, in a courageous effort to facilitate the flight of endangered artists from Europe. It's an extraordinary account that bridges the gap between history and the human spirit in times of unimaginable adversities.
What readers like: Readers get drawn in by the deeply woven plots of espionage, love, and heroic dismal, all set against the dark backdrop of war-time Europe. They also laud Orringer's ability to bring out the courage, determination, and selflessness of Varian Fry, a practically unsung American hero. Plus, the vivid, lyrical description invites one to taste, smell, and feel the danger and resilience that permeated that era.
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Fleishman Is in Trouble
by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Why Fleishman Is in Trouble is on this list: This book showcases Jewish culture and themes in a brilliantly witty way, as the protagonist navigates the ups and downs of modern life, love, and marriage within, and sometimes outside of, the confines of his Jewish upbringing.
Ever wanted to dive into the unending roller coaster ride of middle aged manhood? Fleishman is in Trouble serves this up in the most humorous way. It's a tale of a freshly single doctor in his 40s who suddenly gets plunged into the deep end of single life when his ex-wife drops off their kids at his place at 5 in the morning and then disappears. As he juggles work, parenting and a hot mess of a dating scene, he starts to unravel and confront the realities of his life and his marriage.
What readers like: Readers love this book because it is hilariously relatable, frustratingly real and incredibly poignant all at once. The authenticity of characters, coupled with sharp, smart humour and exquisite story telling make this a must read. Anyone who's been through a breakup, ridden the dating merry-go-round or done the parenting gig will find bits of themselves in this book. And did we say it is funny? Because oh boy, it sure is.
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