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The Blessing and the CurseDiscover the profound narrative of modern Jewish literature with *The Blessing and the Curse*. In this insightful book by acclaimed poet and literary critic Adam Kirsch, explore how the 20th century reshaped Jewish life and writing. Delve into the themes of Europe, America, Israel, and the reimagining of Judaism. Kirsch analyzes the works of over thirty influential authors, from Franz Kafka and Philip Roth to Elie Wiesel and Tony Kushner, providing a
Discover the profound narrative of modern Jewish literature with *The Blessing and the Curse*. In this insightful book by acclaimed poet and literary critic Adam Kirsch, explore how the 20th century reshaped Jewish life and writing. Delve into the themes of Europe, America, Israel, and the reimagining of Judaism. Kirsch analyzes the works of over thirty influential authors, from Franz Kafka and Philip Roth to Elie Wiesel and Tony Kushner, providing a unique perspective on Jewish identity in contemporary society. This compelling examination not only highlights well-known literary figures but also uncovers lesser-known writers like Hannah Senesh. The result is a captivating journey through novels, plays, poems, and memoirs that enrich our understanding of Jewish cultural expression. Each page offers new insights into the literature of the Holocaust through the lens of Primo Levi and showcases Bernard Malamud’s stories that reflect the emergence of America as a vital Jewish homeland. With seamless connections drawn across diverse experiences, Kirsch presents an enlightening overview for anyone interested in Jewish literature and modern faith. This brand new edition, published by W W Norton & Company, includes 304 pages of engaging content. Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Don't miss out on this essential read for literature lovers and those curious about Jewish heritage.Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780393868371
Year: 2021
Publisher: W W Norton & Company
Pages: 304
Description:
Following The People and the Books, which "covers more than 2,500 years of highly variegated Jewish cultural expression" (Robert Alter, New York Times Book Review), poet and literary critic Adam Kirsch now turns to the story of modern Jewish literature. From the vast emigration of Jews out of Eastern Europe to the Holocaust to the creation of Israel, the twentieth century transformed Jewish life. The same was true of Jewish writing: the novels, plays, poems, and memoirs of Jewish writers provided intimate access to new worlds of experience.
Kirsch surveys four themes that shaped the twentieth century in Jewish literature and culture: Europe, America, Israel, and the endeavor to reimagine Judaism as a modern faith. With discussions of major books by over thirty writers?ranging from Franz Kafka to Philip Roth, Elie Wiesel to Tony Kushner, Hannah Arendt to Judith Plaskow?he argues that literature offers a new way to think about what it means to be Jewish in the modern world. With a wide scope and diverse, original observations, Kirsch draws fascinating parallels between familiar writers and their less familiar counterparts. While everyone knows the diary of Anne Frank, for example, few outside of Israel have read the diary of Hannah Senesh. Kirsch sheds new light on the literature of the Holocaust through the work of Primo Levi, explores the emergence of America as a Jewish home through the stories of Bernard Malamud, and shows how Yehuda Amichai captured the paradoxes of Israeli identity.
An insightful and engaging work from "one of America's finest literary critics" (Wall Street Journal), The Bless
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4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 21 reviews
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
Stunning Storytelling
Format: Kindle
Excellent. I read The Help on a whim all those years ago and was spellbound by the author's ability to weave a complex story across multiple narrators. When I'd heard that her second novel was coming out, I added it to my library wishlist as fast as I could. Then, the second I got word it was available, I couldn't help but immediately dive in... and, because her first novel made such an impression upon me, I had so much trust in the author's ability to deliver a story that I hadn't even bothered to read the blurb.
Going in blind into the Calamity Club was a discovery! I was charmed, entertained, amused, and once again, spellbound by Stockett's ability to shift between narrators. One, a somewhat sheltered but very bright and kindhearted woman Birdie. And the other, a charming and very intelligent 11-year-old seemingly orphaned girl, Meg. But beyond this, her ability to weave together a story featuring the fringes of society, giving people -- women, of various walks of life -- a voice in an era where women might have the vote, but are still subjected to a variety of society norms, laws, and double standards, is still very compelling.
I adored Meg, and I was so invested in seeing how things would turn out for her. And the strong female cast that Stockett features here only adds to the story's strengths.
Having read a few comments here on length, while I agree the story is a little long and the try-fail cycle of getting the underground business off the ground may feel pointless for some, it didn't bother me and only served to showcase the strength of the women. There were so many characters in this book that one could examine closer, from the aching pain of Rory's story to the quiet pain of the accidental loss of someone struggling with emotional struggles and alcoholism to the desperation of destitution, and the lengths one might go just to survive. There's so much within these pages to mine and consider, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
My only critique is that I felt it ended so abruptly! I wanted just one further chapter, a glimpse of Meg's future...
Still: an excellent read, and the Acknowledgements/Author's Note on the research involved in this one was one that made me think about how far we've come... and the direction of where we might go in the future.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Un-Putdown-Able
Format: Kindle
Wonderful book! It’s intriguing, heartfelt and funny as hell. There may be a few loose ends they are too easily wrapped up but honestly, it doesn’t detract from the overall impact of the book.
I have to say that the story is enhanced by the Audible version, which is something I rarely say because I usually need to see the words in print. But the two readers of the book are superb and add a lot of depth to the characters. Honestly, if there’s a movie made of this book, I will probably be disappointed in the actors who portray the characters of Birdie and Meg because they won’t be as good as Jenna Lamia and January Lavoy who narrated this book for Audible.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Trying times in Oxford Mississippi in 1933
Format: Kindle
The Calamity Club features a cast of strong women and several weak men. The official charitable women are not charitable and the unofficial ones are courageous and are filled with good will. Stockett weaves a long tale of poverty, desperation, determination and sisterly love. Only two sets of sisters are blood related but those who are not, bond by working together for a common purpose.
Stockett serves up humor and pathos in equal measure with a dash or two of realism. Her character development makes The Calamity Club well worth reading
Like The Help, a screenplay should be forthcoming.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2026
★★★★★ 5
So Good!
Format: Hardcover
Some parts of this are reminiscent of The Help, but it is a brand new story. Even though it appears to be a LONG book (650 pages), it goes fast and is hard to put down. The story takes place in Mississippi in the 1930's. 24 year old Birdie travels to see her married sister in Oxford for the purpose of getting some financial help for her family. Her sister Frances married into a seemingly wealthy family, which for reasons that soon become clear, has now fallen on hard times. Eleven year old Meg lives in an orphanage and is treated badly by the volunteers that staff it. If her mom isn't going to come back and get her, then she wants to be adopted as soon as possible, but most people want babies, not older children. Charlie turns up at the house where Birdie is staying with her sister's family. She's bright and helpful, but what's her real story? How are they all connected? This story is at times hilarious and at other times heartbreaking. It has its share of villains, but most of the characters are likeable and you want them to succeed. Just HOW they succeed is the heart of the book, and I won't tell you and spoil the surprise. This is well worth reading, though, and I strongly recommend it.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Outstanding book
Format: Kindle
I loved this book so much that I'm sad that I've finished it. The story is fascinating, the characters well developed and the themes were important and heart wrenching. This is definitely one of the best books I ever read. I can't summarize the story without spoilers and I would not want to deny you the opportunity to enjoy the unfolding of this beautiful story. This is a book I will not forget and I look forward to Kathryn Society's next wonderful book. She is a tremendous author. Thank you Kathryn for the gift of this book!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2026