Jewish Book Week starts tomorrow. I have booked to go to a couple of events on the final day, including Rising From The Ashes with Avraham Burg, former speaker of the Knesset. I don’t agree with his thesis, but am interested to hear him speak and witness any debate.
Speaking of Jewish authors, I thought I’d blow the dust off this article I wrote about Philip Roth’s work. Since writing it I have managed to complete another Roth book, The Ghostwriter. But I’m still surprised by how much I struggle with the American Howard Jacobson! 
Any tips from Roth fans for which of his many books are worth trying would be much appreciated.
I’m glad I’m not the only one. I only got as far as the first 20 pages with the Human Stain. And yet I admire Howard Jacobson, although so far I’ve only read Coming From Behind. I can’t see that the two have got much in common as writers – apart from being Jewish.
Chas:
Why waste your time reading Roth when you can read (the late Canadian novelist and essayist) Mordechai Richler instead?
Glad to be reminded of Mordechai Richler, whom I read decades ago. I’d much rather read him or Howard ‘Mr Grump’ Jacobson. Should we feel guilty if we can’t finish Roth? He’s already got the girls, the money, the critics and the publishing industry. It’s not as if he needs us…