The Finkler Question
by Howard Jacobson.
There was quite a mixed, largely negative reaction to this book.
Several people struggled to read it finding it turgid and negative.
Certainly it was difficult to find many redeeming features in the character of the main protagonist, the self-obsessed and flaky Julian Treslove, or in that of his sparring partner, the Finkler of the title.
Certainly there was more to warm to in Libor, although some saw him as little more than a stereotypical eastern European Jew.
The three females, on the other hand, were very well drawn, strong and likeable characters.
While some of us found the novel depressing and pointless others enjoyed it appreciating the humour, the consistently good writing and the challenging issues raised.
These included not only historical and contemporary anti-semitism, and the problem of Israel and Palestine but also loss and bereavement and the nature of love.
There was plenty of food for thought even for those who hadn’t enjoyed the book.
NS November 2011
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