A review by graywild
The Fixer by Bernard Malamud

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.