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e_l_thompson's review against another edition
I understand that a part of this book takes place in the 1940's. Still, I did not appreciate the derogatory language, swearing, or vulgar descriptions. Also, I felt the narration was overdone. Davidson aimed for tough and mysterious, film nior, but his cadence often distracted from the storyline and left me confused as to who the characters were and how they related to one another.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide, Car accident, and Pregnancy
dreadspawn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Suicide, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Antisemitism, and Alcohol
meshuganush's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I struggled to get into this book in the beginning. Connecting with Meyer Landsman was not the easiest, he's an alcoholic detective who "knows" he's a better detective than all other detectives. But eventually the mystery, the story and the growth of character pulled me in.
I ended up really enjoying this book and appreciating the relationship between the characters, especially Meyer and his ex-wife, Bina. I thought what the author did with them was really good.
Was also impressed with the cleverness of swapping out words for imagined Yiddish slang for example a cell phone becomes a shofar. Once I caught onto it, very fun. However, also part of why I struggled to get into the story in the beginning. Even if you have some knowledge of Yiddish and Hebrew the glossary at the back of the book is absolutely necessary.
I ended up really enjoying this book and appreciating the relationship between the characters, especially Meyer and his ex-wife, Bina. I thought what the author did with them was really good.
Was also impressed with the cleverness of swapping out words for imagined Yiddish slang for example a cell phone becomes a shofar. Once I caught onto it, very fun. However, also part of why I struggled to get into the story in the beginning. Even if you have some knowledge of Yiddish and Hebrew the glossary at the back of the book is absolutely necessary.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Death of parent
Minor: Antisemitism
alex_wordweaver's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I thought I'd like it more than I did. I went in for the world building and mystery and...I dunno. It just sort of crawled along in the middle too much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Genocide and War
libbyhb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was such a great read. I love Michael Chabon, but I had only read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay and Gentlemen of the Road before this, as a teenager. He creates such vivid worlds in these books, and Yiddish Policemen's Union was no exception. I felt like I could fully picture every setting, even though I've never been to Alaska and this version of Sitka doesn't exist. The plot was so interesting, and I liked that the main mystery kind of popped in and out of whatever was currently happening. I loved all of the characters, especially Meyer and Berko and Bina. So good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Gun violence
Moderate: Addiction and Alcoholism