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chris_homet's review against another edition
5.0
Sublim. Com està traçada la narrativa, l’estil, els motius temàtics… L’autor ens entrega la història de Mendel Singer, un jueu ortodox rus, i, a través d’aquesta, la història de la fe (cega), de la pietat, de la crueltat, del Bé i el Mal, que ningú sap d’on venen.
Cal dir que, si algú s’anima a llegir-la, recomano llegir-se abans el llibre de Job original (és a dir, el de l’Antic Testament/Tanakh), perquè hi ha molts motius que s’emmirallen (al final l’autor juga amb això, òbviament).
Lectura molt recomanable per aquells interessats en la sociologia i antropologia de les religions i de la vida a l’Europa de principis de segle XX.
Cal dir que, si algú s’anima a llegir-la, recomano llegir-se abans el llibre de Job original (és a dir, el de l’Antic Testament/Tanakh), perquè hi ha molts motius que s’emmirallen (al final l’autor juga amb això, òbviament).
Lectura molt recomanable per aquells interessats en la sociologia i antropologia de les religions i de la vida a l’Europa de principis de segle XX.
neurotypically's review against another edition
3.0
I was a bit disappointed by the book. I mean, since I read it for school, my expectations weren't that high, tbh, but the first part started off pretty good.
I get that the book is a retelling of the book Hiob of the bible and it's actually pretty accurate, but it's set over 30 years and I just can't imagine someone having such little personal development as Mendel Singer.
And, what was really bothering me, time is apparently just a construct opressing us? The fist part of the book plays after 1905, the second part 28 years later. But during WW1. You see my problem?
But, I have to say that I liked the writing style in the second part of the novel very much. The repititions were used on point and all in all it was well-written.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book, but since it's not very long and easy to read I think you can read it fast when you don't know what to read else and want to know what German students have to write about in their final exams.
I get that the book is a retelling of the book Hiob of the bible and it's actually pretty accurate, but it's set over 30 years and I just can't imagine someone having such little personal development as Mendel Singer.
And, what was really bothering me, time is apparently just a construct opressing us? The fist part of the book plays after 1905, the second part 28 years later. But during WW1. You see my problem?
But, I have to say that I liked the writing style in the second part of the novel very much. The repititions were used on point and all in all it was well-written.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book, but since it's not very long and easy to read I think you can read it fast when you don't know what to read else and want to know what German students have to write about in their final exams.
mitzikannlesen's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
johyw's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
katgiannopoulou's review against another edition
5.0
I got my hands on this book for an assignment and it was the most pleasant of surprises. Simply, one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. It starts slow but I’m glad I pushed through because I got to witness the deep dive the author takes into the mental and emotional worlds of every character. I got really invested into this reality, to a point that the characters felt like pieces of myself. I am so grateful I had the chance to take a close look at the delicacy of life, through the eyes of such a brilliant author.
ilse's review against another edition
4.0
The last two chapters brought a lump to my throat - the miraculous emergence of happiness and peace after having endured such misery and loss as Job's didn't leave me unaffected.
(review under construction)
(****1/2)
(review under construction)
(****1/2)
marc129's review against another edition
3.0
Mendel Singer, a poor Jewish teacher in the West of Russia, emigrates to his son Samuel in America, leaving his feeble-minded son Menoechem behind. This son Menoechem later becomes a successful musician, whilst Mendel looses everything. Written in a classic, broadly painted, style, very descriptive, many adjectives. Theme: Job, migration and acculturation.
olya_hakob's review against another edition
I liked the writing style and could connect to the characters but the ending was a little banal and disappointing...
woerterkatze_bloggt's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
5.0
witch_in_a_library's review against another edition
4.0
Nachdenklicher und nachdenklich machender Roman, der das Leben des Protagonisten unspektakulär aber berührend aufzeigt. Auch wenn es bisweilen langatmig ist, lohnt es sich die ganze Geschichte zu lesen.