Jewish Book Club discussion
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The Lost Shtetl
2022 Poll Winners
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2022/12 Discussion of Max Gross' The Lost Shtetl
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Jan
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rated it 5 stars
Nov 30, 2022 08:01PM
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I'm reading this as an audiobook, narrated by Steven Jay Cohen. I started it yesterday and I'm a chapter in. I like how it very much feels like classic shtetl stories in the beginning, with a similar vibe to stuff like Isaac Bashevis Singer's short stories. I think I'm a little wary about the length of it, but still interested in the story. I'm planning on reading more before bed, and I'm looking forward to it. I'll comment again once I've gotten further in.
Mod
Glad for your comment, Elizabeth.
I didn't check out the audio version on this one, so let us know about that aspect too.
Will order as soon as the price goes down!! Itโs on my list.
Mod
Available at my public library. I just started.
I read this book some time ago after hearing its author speak and was delighted and intrigued by the premise of the lost community sheltered from the world around them and ignorant of the Holocaust and other events. It was very imaginative and well written. I very much liked the first half of the book but for some reason my attention flagged in the second half when the story morphed into a different focus. I was just less engaged. Maybe I will give it another shot as I think my Jewish book groupwould enjoy it
I read a couple of pages so far, so i'm in!
Mod
-and to all who have commented so far....
It's such a feel good for Jan and I to know members are enjoying
poll winners as well as our choices too.
Thank you.
We read this for my book club several months ago. Many didn't like it and felt that it dragged. I happened to enjoy it (though did do a little skimming in parts.) I'd really like to know how the author came up with this idea and what "take away" message did he intend.Maybe I'll get to ask him sometime as he lives across the street from my brother-in-law! I gave it 3-4 stars if I recall, thought the writing was good and thought it an imaginative story and characters. Needed a little more editing but worth the read.
Mod
Hi, Debra, and thanks for chiming in!
Max Gross appeared on Julie Zuckerman's Literary Modiin a couple years ago. I think I was there (via zoom)e but can't be sure that's what impressed me.
I thought I could give you the specific link for Dec. 6, 2020 with Max Gross and Nicole Krauss, but instead I think you have to keep scrolling down and clicking on "add more" until you come to that specific program!
https://www.juliezuckerman.com/litera...
I don't have any more comments on the story right now, but since it was asked:I really like the audio so far, the narrator is really solid. He pronounces the Hebrew and Yiddish words well (to my ear anyway, but I don't read/speak either). His narration style for the book really suits the storytelling style. I've listened to a lot of audiobooks this year (the most audiobooks I've ever read in one year is this year and it's by a lot), so I can't say it's the best narration I've heard or anything. But it suits the style of the story very well and it's kept me moving forward when the book starts to feel long.
Mod
I really like the audio so far, the narrator is really solid. He pronounces the Hebrew and Yiddish words well (to my ..."
Some books work well on audio, and sounds like this is one of them. Thanks, Elizabeth!
The absence of a more active Israeli role prevented me from getting into the what-if.
Mod
Hi M,
I just started the book.
Maybe Jan can respond to this without giving too much away.
Did you finish it?
Stacey B wrote: "M wrote: "The absence of a more active Israeli role prevented me from getting into the what-if."Hi M,
I just started the book.
Maybe Jan can respond to this without giving too much away.
Did you ..."
Yes, I finished the book. I would have enjoyed it more if the what-if scenerio had been more believable for me, but the story is interesting anyway. I don't think it's a spoiler to warn you not to keep expecting the Israelis to do something like I did.
Mod
Now I am intrigued to get into the part where you became disappointed.
I am listening and also have the book (ARC) copy. I found an audio of the book on Hoopla. I find it easy to listen to it. I am already to chapter 14 schism. Just started it today.
Mod
That's good to Kristel. Wow, ch. 14 already- Way to go-
Thank you for the comment.
Mod
Wow! Just got out my copy, and looks like you are at two thirds in rapid time, Kristel.
I'm not familiar with Hoopla, but must be a good narrator for you to find it an easy listen and stay with it for an extensive time.
I have it out from the library and it is sitting in the trunk of my car with all of its book friends.
Mod
Hi M,
I just started the book.
Maybe Jan can respond to this without giving too much away.
Did you finish it?"
Oh, yes, I liked reading this one, Stacey.
Will wait a while before saying any more. :)
Mod
Ha! Glad it's not lonely, Amy. ๐
I finished it last night. My feelings on it are a bit divided (which makes me feel disappointed since I was really looking forward to it, but I wouldn't describe it as a disappointment overall or anything). I liked the narration style, the way it's like someone telling a story orally, which I think is part of why the audio works so well. The overall concept was great, I really enjoyed following most of the stories and was particularly attached to some of the characters. That said, the anti-Romani aspect of the story isn't something I thought was handled well at all, and the intense male gaze present throughout many of the stories is just something I personally do not connect with. There are a couple of other things I would praise and a couple others I had issues with, but I wouldn't want to put in spoilers.
Mod
Thanks Elizabeth.
I and some others are closing in on the finish.
Mod
Has everyone who chose to read the book "The Shtetl" finished reading?
There's no rush; we still have over a week to go.
Just curious.
Honestly, itโs packed in my suitcase, but Iโve spent about the last week to 10 days in the Winners, and while I am loving it, I am making very little progress moving forward. I do hope to start it while on vacation. I do have about six or seven books packed. My ambitions are high. We shall see.
Mod
Enjoy your vacation, and Happy New Year!
I am over half way through, but other things are keeping me away. Hoping to finish by end of week.
Mod
Great-
No pressure at all.
Thank you for responding.
HNY
I've finished it last week. I liked it, but there are some flaws in the plot line. I enjoyed the Yiddish words, I enjoyed the culture, I liked the concept of the book.
Mod
Hi Kristel-
Thank you. Glad to know.
I wanted to make sure everyone was finished before posting a comment or review. HNY
Are we ready to post comments? This book was interesting in its premise. I was intrigued at first by the Ishmael/Pesha saga and wanted to know more about what it was. By the time we found out, I truly didn't care anymore. I thought the buildup of how the outside world would impact people was interesting but thought it could have been much more interesting if that was more of a focus. In the end, however, Pesha is right - you can never go back. Even if you really want to, the outside world has already changed each person so it will never be the same.
Mod
Hi M,
I just started the book.
Maybe Jan can respond to this without giving too mu..."
Hi M,
No, of course not-what you wrote earlier wasn't a spoiler at all. I was generalizing in case others wrote more comments.
Per your comment re Israeli role, curious in which way?
Mod
This book was interesting in its premise. I was intrigued at first by the Ishmael/Pesha saga and wanted to know more about what it was. By the time we found out, I ..."
I felt the book was a little long, but has no bearing on my opinion.
I think it meandered too much and that was what didn't keep me reading it non-stop. Many points made were interesting, and I wish they were explored more, but others were stereotypes.
Mod
I understand.
The points which surround the Holocaust and the jewish religion addressed in the book such as you said "stereotypes" including anti semitism, and assimilation remind me of a "tale"; a fable of sorts.
This book points out the jews in their village stereotype their own and strangers as well.
