bgramps's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
eliane37's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
"The French have a saying, "The more it changes, the more it remains the same.’
You must admit there may be a certain truth to that, especially with reference to what we call 'society.' In effect it has not changed in its essentials from what it was in the dim past, even though we tend loosely to think of civilization as progress. I
frankly no longer believe in that concept. I respect man for what he has to go through in life, and sometimes for how he does it, but he has changed little since he began to pretend he was civilized, and the same
thing may be said about our society. That is how I feel, but having made that confession Iet me say, as you may have guessed, that I am somewhat of a meliorist. That is to say, I act as an optimist because I find I cannot act at all as a persimist. One often feels helpless in the face of the confusion of these times, such a mass of apparently uncontrollable events and experiences to live through, attempt ti understand, and if at all possible, give order to; but one must not withdraw from the task if he has some small thing to offer- he does so at the risk of diminishing his humanity. “ 154
bookhawk's review against another edition
4.0
The Fixer is simultaneously grim nearly beyond description and powerful in both a simple and complex manner. The Fixer tells of the persecution of an innocent man and of the Jewish people in Russia in 1912 and for several years. This deserving Pulitzer winner reminded me of the way I felt after seeing Saving Private Ryan which was that it was a great movie but one I never wanted to watch again.
“Those who persecute the innocent were themselves never free.”
I tend to see this book relating to the persecution of any group rather than just in response to anti-Semitic behavior. This is not a long book but was a slower read. Recommended for the reader who wants a thoughtful and serious book.
“Those who persecute the innocent were themselves never free.”
I tend to see this book relating to the persecution of any group rather than just in response to anti-Semitic behavior. This is not a long book but was a slower read. Recommended for the reader who wants a thoughtful and serious book.
mark_lm's review against another edition
4.0
I was lead to this novel by comments that J. Epstein made in his biographical essays, mostly running down Saul Bellow. While reading it, I suddenly realized that I had seen the movie of it in the late 60's with the YPS of TBE. Sometimes I think that it is a good idea to be reminded of what imprisonment is like, before we give our consent to locking up every African-American who has some marijuana.
_quinnsreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
The most unusual thing could happen to a person at any given time regardless of his/her morale, political or religious beliefs. Affliction is inevitable for individuals who are part of minority. Although I don't find Yakov Bok a likeable character, I sympathize with him but given the fact that this was based on a true story is demoralizing already. The world truly is corrupt and unjust and makes me lose hope for the solidarity of humanity. Peace is a myth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Police brutality, Antisemitism, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Body horror and Suicidal thoughts
snoakes7001's review against another edition
5.0
I'm no good at this reviewing malarkey. I really enjoyed this, but I'm struggling to say why. It's not the cheeriest thing you'll ever read, but it's not totally depressing either. The historical background is (I imagine) authentic - it certainly feels it, and the central character, his thoughts and sufferings are compelling.
It reminded me of Koestler and Dostoevsky. If you like those or you're happy with a big dollop of despair, injustice and what happens when good men do nothing then this will be right up your street.
It reminded me of Koestler and Dostoevsky. If you like those or you're happy with a big dollop of despair, injustice and what happens when good men do nothing then this will be right up your street.
graywild's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story of Yakov - a Jewish man - living in Tsarist Russia. His wife just left him so he decides to move to Kiev to find a better life. When he gets there he helps an injured Anti-Semite who offers him a job without asking his background. Yakov accepts as he needs money. At some point a young boy is murdered and the community targets Yakov as a Christian killing Jew. The rest of the novel chronicles Yakov imprisonment while awaiting trial. This lasts over 3 years and the prosecutor is trying to get him to confess (which he refuses). Hard to read at times as most of the characters are Anti-Semite and just looking to torture and kill Yakov. Well written. Recommend.
bundy23's review against another edition
3.0
According to Malamud, life in pre-revolution Russia was actually worse for the Jews than in Auschwitz. The level of anti-semitism that exists in the world of this book is absolutely ridiculous and I'm not sure if it's the author trying to drum up sympathy for his race or just gets off on the misery of its history. I guess I'll forever think of this novel as "torture porn for Jewish intellectuals."
All that said, if it wasn't for the fact that it's pure propaganda I'd have probably given this 5 stars.
All that said, if it wasn't for the fact that it's pure propaganda I'd have probably given this 5 stars.