I confess I liked the "Yiddish Policeman's Union," but you knew that. I thought the messiah's origin was just satire and the gangsters pretty much on target, historically, at least. Meyer Lansky, anyone? I definitely didn't get any sense, in the story, that MC was anti-Israel, at all. Nice to see the supportive quote, though.
Right. My (slight) dislike is not caused by Chabon's writing, it is rather because of my allergy to "what if" kind of books.
I am sorry that Podhoretz, whom I normally read with pleasure, got so het up.
In fact, you know, it could be argued that he was very pro Israel, given the story's aim of getting the red heifer to Jerusalem and seizing the Temple Mount, etc.
As for Obama, well, he inspires dedicated libs like MC. That's to be expected. The O man is, basically, a Lefty, himself. All his recent high-mindedness is mostly show.
RE: Michael Chabon, have you read Gentlemen of the Road? Zelikman is my hero!! Jews with swords!!
Nope, stinky - missed this one.
Off topic, but - Damon Runyon mentions several Jewish gangsters. My favorites are 'Benny the Blond Jew' and 'Little Kishke'.
Not familiar with Damon Runyon - unfortunately. But yes, Jews produced their fair share (or more?) of strongmen.
Bugsy Siegel, of course, of tommygun fame. I've read all of MC except the road book. Now, I see, I will have to try it.
I shall go for it too soon.
Actually, except for the too predictable ending that has the American Christian milenialists behind inciting a battle between Muslim factions, I rather enjoyed Yiddish Policeman's Union. Chabbon shows a touch of Mordecai Richler's brilliance. Of course Richler was a frequent target for his portraits of Jewish low lifes, gangsters and religious nuts too.
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