I really liked the story, characters were very real, lots of family dynamics, and interesting plot. I would have given the book 4 stars except for the poor grammar in the second part of the book. The first part was flawless and the only reason I kept reading was I was invested in the characters, which the author does a wonderful job of creating. I don't understand why with such a good story, the author didn't have it edited properly. Still, it was worth reading. This book is actually semi-biographical, based around the author's own family, I understand she changed some of the details, presumably for dramatic effect. However, the nuts and bolts of the story are based in fact - which, in hindsight, makes this quite a disturbing read.The story revolves around Bernie, his escape from Nazi Germany and his new life in the United States - specifically New Orleans, home for a small community of Modern Jews.Told from the point of view of Bernie, his wife and child the story lifts the lid on the rampant anti-semitism existing in the South at that time and how difficult it was to live and to make a living amongst those you consider your own kind but who, in reality, despise you. For, surprisingly, the anti-semitism Bernie experiences is from those Modern Jews who really should know better. Desperate to assimilate these Jews have all but given up on the Jewish way of life - much to Bernie's bewilderment. Having escaped the Nazi regime, whilst leaving behind his beloved Mother, Bernie is wracked with Survivor's Guilt for the rest of his life and seeks to protect his only child from the horrors of the Holocaust - only to be thwarted at every turn by his mother in law.The story flags in some place, but, considering the subject matter this is not necessarily a bad thing. I would have liked to have heard from the Mother in Law - how does a Jew end up being an anti-semite in the shadow of World War 2? Difficult to comprehend. The Father in Law is not much better but appears to be rather henpecked and disinclined to stand up to his wife.Letty, Bernie's wife, was my least favourite character - in my opinion she needed a slap! Perhaps if she had gone to a decent shul she would have learned to respect her husband a little more.The story concludes with a heartbreaking incident which I am glad to know was a fictional addition. All in all a good book, all the better because it is based in fact. Recommended.
What do You think about Too Jewish (2010)?
eye opening account of sacrifices made and internal struggles
—catwell_92
