Title: The Finkler Question
Author: Howard Jacobson
First published January 1, 2010
307 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781408808870 (ISBN10: 1408808870)
Rating: 2.81
Overview
The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson follows the story of Julian Treslove, a BBC worker who feels unfulfilled with his life. Along with his old school friends, the popular Jewish philosopher Sam Finkler and their former teacher Libor Sevcik, they reminisce about their past lives.
All three are recently widowed, and the evening is a bittersweet one as they recall a time before they knew loss. But as Treslove walks home that night, he is unexpectedly attacked, and his life takes a dramatic turn.
Join Treslove on a journey of self-discovery and transformation in this poignant and thought-provoking novel.
About the Author
Howard Jacobson, a British author educated at Cambridge, has written numerous acclaimed novels, including The Mighty Walzer (which won the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize), Who’s Sorry Now?, Kalooki Nights (both longlisted for the Man Booker Prize), and his latest work, The Act of Love. In addition to his writing, Jacobson is also well-regarded as a critic and broadcaster, and pens a weekly column for the Independent.
He resides in London.
Jacobson’s novel The Finkler Question has a clear appeal to Jewish readers, but what elevates it to the level of great Jewish art, such as the paintings of Marc Chagall, the books of Saul Bellow, and the films of Woody Allen, is its ability to use the Jewish experience to illuminate the human experience as a whole. Who among us is completely certain of our identity?
Who hasn’t hesitated, even if only briefly, when asked about their background? The Finkler Question challenges readers to consider these questions about themselves, making it a must-read regardless of one’s background.
This is according to David Sax of NPR.
Editoral Review
Howard Jacobsons 2010 novel The Finkler Question is a humorous and insightful exploration of Jewish identity, masculinity, and aging. As a well-known British author and journalist, Jacobson brings his sharp wit and deep knowledge of Jewish culture to this Booker Prize-winning novel.
Set in modern-day London, the novel follows the lives of three friends–Jewish philosopher Sam Finkler, former BBC radio producer Julian Treslove, and celebrity philosopher Libor Sevcik. After Sams wife dies, Julian becomes obsessed with Jewishness and joins a group of anti-Semitic militants who are convinced that Jews are to blame for all their problems.
Meanwhile, Libor struggles with his own sense of loss after losing his wife and the challenges of growing old. Jacobson masterfully balances humor and serious contemplation in this novel, using witty dialogue and clever wordplay to explore complex themes of identity, masculinity, and aging.
The Finkler Question is an incisive and thought-provoking book that tackles timeless issues with a fresh and modern perspective. The novel is notable for its incisive commentary on contemporary Jewish culture and its exploration of the intersection of personal and political identity.
As such, it has significant historical and cultural significance as a reflection of the Jewish experience in modern times. It presents a nuanced view of Jewish identity that is not limited to religious observance or adherence to tradition, but rather embraces the diversity and complexity of Jewish culture.
Jacobsons writing is both poetic and precise, with a keen attention to detail that captures the subtle nuances of everyday life. The characters are multi-dimensional, each with their unique quirks and flaws, making them feel real and relatable.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, with a gradual build-up of tension that keeps the reader engaged until the satisfying conclusion. Despite its many strengths, the book is not without its flaws.
Some readers may find the novels pacing slow, and the focus on Jewish identity may feel too narrow for some readers. Also, some of the characters actions and motivations may seem unrealistic, and their decisions are occasionally difficult to understand.
Overall, The Finkler Question is an excellent read for those interested in contemporary Jewish culture, masculinity, and aging. It is well-written, thought-provoking, and masterfully executed, making it a deserving winner of the prestigious Booker Prize.
The book receives a rating of 8 out of 10, with points deducted for its slow pacing and narrow focus on Jewish identity. However, its strong character development, insightful commentary, and unique perspective make it a must-read for anyone looking for a deep and engaging novel.
