Howard Jacobson
Howard Jacobson is a British author and journalist, known for his comic novels that often explore themes of Jewish identity and culture. He won the Man Booker Prize in 2010 for his novel 'The Finkler Question'.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Mighty Walzer
This novel is a coming-of-age story set in 1950s Manchester, revolving around the life of Oliver Walzer, a shy Jewish boy with a prodigious talent for table tennis. Growing up in a close-knit community, Oliver navigates the complexities of adolescence, family dynamics, and cultural identity, all while trying to perfect his game. His journey is filled with humor, heartache, and the pursuit of personal and athletic excellence. As he moves from the safety of his family's home to the broader world, Oliver's experiences reflect the universal challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world.
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2. The Finkler Question
The novel explores themes of identity, loss, and love through the lens of three friends - two Jewish and one who wishes he was. It delves into the psyche of the characters as they grapple with anti-Semitism, self-hatred, and their own personal tragedies. The protagonist, a man who starts to believe he is Jewish after a violent mugging, navigates his new identity with humor and introspection, leading to a poignant exploration of what it means to belong.
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3. Live A Little
In this heartwarming and humorous tale, two elderly Londoners, Beryl Dusinbery and Shimi Carmelli, find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other despite their contrasting personalities and pasts. Beryl, a sharp-witted and vivacious woman, struggles with the onset of memory loss, while Shimi, a reserved and introspective man, is haunted by secrets from his past. As they navigate the complexities of aging and the challenges of their own histories, they discover a profound connection that offers them both a chance at redemption and a renewed zest for life. Through their journey, the narrative explores themes of love, memory, and the enduring human spirit.
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4. J
Set in a dystopian future where society is haunted by a mysterious event referred to only as "What Happened, If It Happened," the narrative explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of collective amnesia. The story follows Kevern and Ailinn, two individuals drawn together by fate in a world that discourages curiosity about the past. As they navigate a society that suppresses history and individuality, their relationship becomes a beacon of hope and resistance against the oppressive forces that seek to control and erase the truth. Through their journey, the novel delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of authoritarianism.
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5. Pussy
A biting political fable set in a fantastical duchy, it follows a coddled, narcissistic princeling whose ignorance and hunger for adulation are indulged by sycophants and spectacle, propelling him toward power despite the efforts of earnest tutors to instill knowledge and empathy. Through comic absurdity, courtly intrigue, and linguistic play, it lampoons celebrity politics, misogyny, and the debasement of public discourse, asking how a populace enthralled by entertainment and resentment can usher incompetence to rule.