Joshua Cohen wrote about a minor episode of a very famous family during arguably the most consequential decade of Jewish history.
Author: Joshua Cohen
Released: May 2021 (UK), June 2021 (US)
Genre: Biographical Fiction
Pages: 248
Audiobook Length: 9 hours (approx.)
Awards/Acclaim
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (2022)
National Jewish Book Award Winner (2021)
A New York Times Notable Book of 2021
A Wall Street Journal Best Book of 2021
A Kirkus Best Fiction Book of 2021
Review
The first chapter or two of this book was dry. I questioned what I had got myself into and wasn't thrilled. The book quickly picked up.
The Netanyahu's is a rambunctious, comedic novel that includes the, then ten-year old, Benjamin Netanyahu. Benjamin's father Benzion brings his wife and three children with him for a job interview at Corbin College in the winter of 1959. He is hosted by the only Jewish employee, at the college, Ruben Blum.
The book is a fascinating allegory and riotously humorous.
Plot
The narrator, Ruben Blum is a historian of tax law and the only Jew employed at Corbin College. He is asked to help the hiring committee in evaluating Benzion Netanyahu. Benzion is a prospective new hire and self-proclaimed expert on the history of Jews during the time of the Spanish Inquisition.
These two Jewish men are both members of the diaspora - one by choice, the other self-exhiled. They couldn't be farther apart in their ideologies. One is content with complacent-1950s America and has no ideological curiosity. The other man is self-assured and convinced in his proclaimed dogma.
Additional Comments
The author, Joshua Cohen, was introduced to a similar real-life tale told to him by Harold Bloom, who hosted Benzion under very similar circumstances as that of what is portrayed in the book. Cohen took the story and with his own creative flare created the Pulitzer-Prize winning novel The Netanyahu's.
Listen to Joshua Cohen on the College Commons podcast to hear more of his time with Harold Bloom and further discussion of his book.
Additionally, if you're writing an academic paper, needing more research into this book, or want a longer interview with Joshua Cohen I recommend London Review Bookshop Podcast. Cohen goes into greater detail of his thinking behind the book and discusses how The Netanyahu's was also a reflection/commentary on American Jewish Media.
About the Author
Joshua Cohen is a writer and storyteller. In addition, he has worked as a journalist.
He has published several acclaimed novels and essays. He has lived abroad and reads both Hebrew and German.
Content Warnings
Discussion of the human body
Verdict
Score: 9.25/10
A knowledge of Jewish history is beneficial for the purpose of understanding and appreciating the book. It likely won't be an enjoyable book for you otherwise.
If you're still reading and interested then get this book!
Pick it up at your library, local bookstore, or favorite online retailer.
Extra Credit
If you're interested in Jewish history, in general, I highly recommend Unpacking Israeli History with Noam Weissman. Start with episode one.
My Corner Spot blog is supported by our users. This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on the site at no additional cost to you.