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46 pages 1 hour read

Joshua Cohen

The Netanyahus: An Account of a Minor and Ultimately Even Negligible Episode in the History of a Very Famous Family

Joshua CohenFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Joshua Cohen

The Netanyahus

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

248

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Upstate New York • Late 1950s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

3.9

17,730 ratings

67%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

3.9

17,730 ratings

67%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

248

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Upstate New York • Late 1950s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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