Just so's I don't forget, some other novels I have read recently. ..
The Netanhayus
Joshua Cohen
Very much in Rothian mode, from its academic satire to its farcical set-pieces and mix of fictional and historical characters– not to mention its engagement with Jewish identity and assimilation. Yes, it is about those Netanyahus: Bibi is here, but just as a kid; the main Netanyahu is Bibi's dad Benzion, and the (based-on-a-true) story recounts incidents surrounding his effort to land an academic position in the United States circa 1960. The novel veers from slapstick to Netanyahu's wide-ranging and shall we say unconventional lectures on Jewish history. It's a dark comedy with nary a shred of sympathy for the Netanyahu family's behavior and views, but more than a hint of admiration for their crass, chaotic energy.
The Mountain Lion
Jean Stafford
A disturbing novel about two siblings coming of age; it begins as an idyll and ends as... well, I won't give it away, although I feel that the climax is telegraphed a bit too much. Still, a very good read.
The Topeka School
Ben Lerner
Therapy
David Lodge
Eat the Document
Dana Spiotta
What Hetty Did
J.L. Carr
I found these four were worth reading "at the margin," as we economists like to say, but don't go out of your way.
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