title: The Netanyahus by: Cohen, Joshua published: 2021-06-22 read: 2021-10 preview

As the author writes, “Ben-Zion Netanyahu… which meant nothing to me, or to anyone… not even the surname, which was still a generation from its infamy.”  Mixed feelings along the way, but: also a wonderful book, mainly because of its wit. 

So, the story: a small college town in New York, faculty of history.  The main character, Ruben Blum, is a (Jewish!) professor of history, new at the college.  Whenafter he should head the selection committee for a new professor, by the name of the book, who is expert on mediaeval Iberian Jewish history.  And a charlatan, so it seems, but a convincing one. 

The entering of Blum in the college is already funny, and enjoyable (but, I think, you must appreciate Jewish humour).  But culminates when Netanyahu’s visit occurs and erupts in a slapstick-like tale of family, lost, lust, and culture. 

Most vivid, I think, are the women in the book.  The grandmothers of the Blums, while the fathers drool away in idiocy.  The daughter, whose main goal is a nose job.  Mrs. Blum as well as Mrs. Netanyahu, two women as opposite as could be, running the show out of grudge.

My appreciation of the book grew per page.  The surprising end – not spoiling here – unbefitting to a 1950s story.  And then, the major Oh!, when learning that the book is based on some historical facts. It sheds a clear light on things which happened in 2024 in the real world.

The language is often intricate.  I even skipped a page or two, when a discourse of Jewish catholicism followed, and could follow the story after.  Serious business! now and then.  Still: recommended; I am very happy I read it.