Fabulous Small Jews
Stories
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4.6 • 5 Ratings
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
Witty, “utterly compelling” short stories about Jewish men of a certain age, by the New York Times–bestselling author of Snobbery (San Francisco Chronicle Book Review).
Set in Chicago and populated by characters ranging from lawyers and professors to scrap metal dealers, this collection of insightful and entertaining short fiction examines the crossroads and turning points of life, and the challenge of growing older and feeling suddenly adrift in a radically changed world.
“Epstein’s narrators tend to be tough, hardworking, and solitary men who have survived poverty, the Holocaust, ruthless competition, and impossible domestic situations only to confront old age and a jittery new world that to their pragmatic eyes seems neurotic, flimsy, indulgent, and vacuous. Yet Epstein’s heroes—guys like salesman Moe Bernstein, dry-cleaner mogul Artie Glick, a bartender, a scamming ex-con, and a few soulful academics—do not despair. They maintain their sense of humor, they take chances, they open their hearts, and they find life sweeter than ever before. As rich in clever banter as in philosophic musings, Epstein’s funny and wise stories celebrate independence, the inner life, generosity of spirit, and rolling with the punches.” —Booklist
“Epstein, always a graceful writer, also happens to possess a stand-up comic’s gift for punch lines.” —The New York Times Book Review
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Switching gears after his nonfiction hit, Snobbery, Epstein has compiled a collection of short stories as thoughtful and arresting as its title (from a poem by Karl Shapiro). Whether they are in a nursing home, recovering from the loss of a spouse of 50 years, or looking back at marriages, shortcomings or missed opportunities, Epstein's characters are quirky, witty, resentful, fearful and cautiously hopeful as they face their future, or whatever they have left of it, in a world in which all the rules have changed. What distinguishes them as Jews in this universal situation is a certain wry outlook, a vernacular turn of phrase that carries the tang of its Yiddish origin, and a tendency to philosophize about the deeper questions of existence. "Coming In with Their Hands Up" is a touching tale of a bloodthirsty divorce lawyer who encounters heartbreak in his own marriage. In "Postcards," Seymour Hefferman, an acidulous and malicious failed poet, anonymously castigates cultural eminences when they offend his sensibilities, signing a Jewish name instead of his own; he finally gets his comeuppance. The eponymous Felix Emeritus, a cautious Buchenwald survivor who has never asked much of life, meets in an old-age home a bitter man who can't surmount his dark view of human nature. Mostly settled in Chicago, these 17 characters are no heroes, only reflective personalities little people with big opinions who have made their share of sacrifices. Like his emotionally candid, low-key protagonists, Epstein is intrinsically honest. Gratifying and genuine, this collection examines all sorts of responses to the encroachment of old age on human dignity.
Customer Reviews
Poignant and Vivid and Wryly Funny
Fabulous Small Jews" by Joseph Epstein is a collection of eighteen short stories that intricately explore the lives of Jewish characters. Each story is a finely detailed portrait, capturing the essence of its characters with charm and depth. Epstein's writing is celebrated for its beauty and the way each story stands as a gem on its own. The stories delve into the modest yet significant lives of male characters, each chapter focusing on a different individual, making the collection a rich tapestry of human experience[4]. Overall, the book is praised for its engaging storytelling and nuanced character studies.
The characters in "Fabulous Small Jews" are memorable for several reasons:
1. Nuanced portrayal: Joseph Epstein crafts each character with depth and complexity, presenting them as fully realized individuals with unique personalities, quirks, and life experiences
2. Relatable struggles: The stories focus on men of a certain age grappling with changing values and personal crossroads, making their dilemmas universally relatable.
3. Vivid details: Epstein's keen eye for detail brings the characters to life, making them feel authentic and three-dimensional.
4. Diverse backgrounds: The characters come from various professions and walks of life, including lawyers, professors, scrap-iron dealers, and dry cleaners, providing a rich tapestry of Jewish-American experiences.
5. Emotional resonance: The stories capture poignant moments and turning points in the characters' lives, evoking empathy and emotional connection from readers[3][4].
6. Humor and wit: Epstein's writing often incorporates humor and sharp observations, making the characters both entertaining and insightful.
7. Cultural specificity: While the characters are distinctly Jewish, their experiences and struggles resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the universal aspects of human nature.
These elements combine to create memorable, multi-faceted characters that linger in readers' minds long after finishing the book.