46 pages • 1 hour read
The Netanyahus: An Account of a Minor and Ultimately Even Negligible Episode in the History of a Very Famous Family
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Book Brief
248
Novel • Fiction
Upstate New York • Late 1950s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen, history professor Ruben Blum narrates his experience hosting Ben-Zion Netanyahu and his family in Corbin University while dealing with his own familial and cultural conflicts. The chaos following the Netanyahus' arrival, combined with Blum's struggles regarding his Jewish identity and his daughter's desire for cosmetic surgery, culminates in a series of events reflecting on Jewish history and identity. The novel concludes with reflections on the characters' futures and the source of the story from Harold Bloom. The book includes references to ethnic and religious identity struggles, family conflict, and academic politics.
Humorous
Contemplative
Informative
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
17,730 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen has garnered praise for its inventive narrative and sharp wit, blending history with fiction in a unique manner. Critics highlight Cohen's insightful commentary on identity and academia. However, some feel the dense prose and intricate references may alienate casual readers. Overall, it's a thought-provoking, albeit challenging, read.
Who Should Read The Netanyahus?
A reader who enjoys The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen is likely interested in intellectually stimulating narratives that mix historical fiction with satire. Comparable to Saul Bellow's Herzog and Philip Roth's The Plot Against America, they appreciate complex characters, sharp wit, and nuanced explorations of Jewish identity and politics.
17,730 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ben-Zion Netanyahu
Ben-Zion Netanyahu
A fictionalized Israeli historian from Poland who is a pivotal character in the story, representing a contrasting Jewish identity to Ruben's and impacting the narrative with his Zionist beliefs and mannerisms.
Edith Blum
Edith Blum
Ruben's wife, a secondary character who embodies the role of a 1950s American housewife, offering a perspective on cultural assimilation distinct from Ruben's.
Tzila Netanyahu
Tzila Netanyahu
The wife of Ben-Zion, her character serves as a cultural counterpoint to Edith, bringing in perspectives from her background as a Palestinian Jew.
Judy Ruben
Judy Ruben
Ruben and Edith's daughter, a high-achieving teenager whose concerns about her appearance reflect her struggle with Jewish identity and cultural assimilation.
Jonathan, Benjamin, and Iddo Netanyahu
Jonathan, Benjamin, and Iddo Netanyahu
The sons of Ben-Zion and Tzila, these tertiary characters add comedic and troublesome elements to the narrative, with Jonathan's actions providing a subplot involving Judy.
248
Novel • Fiction
Upstate New York • Late 1950s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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