The Outside Chance of Maximilian Glick

by Morley Torgov

It's Steelton, Manitoba, in 1964. Thirteen-year-old Maximilian Glick is struggling with the complexities of adulthood while preparing for his Bar Mitzvah. He feels his only hope is the new Rabbi who not only looks pretty strange, but secretly dreams about becoming a standup comic. This slightly different little comedy story is an exploration of intolerance, racism, friendship and self-fulfillment.

Genres: Fiction, Canada

186 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Morley Torgov BA, LLB, DLitt is a Canadian novelist, humorist and lawyer. He remains a partner in the Toronto-based legal firm Olch, Torgov, Cohen LLP.

He studied law in Toronto at Osgoode Hall, formally becoming a lawyer in 1954. Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario awarded him an honorary Doctor of Letters degree in 1990.

The Outside Chance of Maximilian Glick was a 1988 film based on his 1982 novel.

Torgov is the father of former actress and current artist Sarah Torgov who appeared in the movies Meatballs and American Gothic among others.

Reviews

[Keith B · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the author that wrote a novel about growing up Jewish in my home town of Sault Ste. Marie Ontario.

A coming of age story taking place in a loosely veiled version of the Soo ("Steelton"). Laugh out loud moments throughout. Loved it!!

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a warm, funny, nostalgic story that will have anyone of my generation -- who grew up in an ethnic family environment -- nodding in approval. It's very much in the tradition of authors such as W. O. Mitchell. This novel was actually on its way to a four star rating...if it wasn't for the fact that the ending brought the book to a screeching halt. It doesn't offer the reader any closure to the conflict between two of the protagonists -- a minor key ending, to what could have been an all-around major key symphony.

[Carolyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really didn't think it was a book that a young adult could read even though it was clearly aimed at that age group. The descriptions of action scene were far to involved and could have been shortened considerably. I found myself skimming and quickly flipping past these pages. The story was a good idea, but could have been much better.