Mordecai Richler
Mordecai Richler was a prominent Canadian author and screenwriter known for his satirical novels and essays. Born on January 27, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, he gained fame for his insightful and often controversial explorations of Jewish life and identity in Canada. His notable works include 'The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz,' 'Barney's Version,' and 'Solomon Gursky Was Here.' Richler's writing was celebrated for its wit, humor, and sharp social commentary. He passed away on July 3, 2001.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Solomon Gursky Was Here
This novel is a sprawling epic that traces the multi-generational saga of the Gursky family, rumored to have been inspired by the real-life Bronfman dynasty, Canadian liquor magnates. At its core, it follows the enigmatic figure of Solomon Gursky, whose life is shrouded in myth and mystery, from his forebears' escape from Jewish persecution in Europe to his own adventures in the Arctic, and the eventual establishment of a powerful business empire in North America. Through the eyes of Moses Berger, a writer obsessed with uncovering the truth about Solomon, the narrative delves into themes of identity, legacy, and the complexities of the human condition, all set against the backdrop of Canada's development and cultural history.
The 5474th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. St. Urbain's Horseman
The novel revolves around a Canadian filmmaker living in London, grappling with a midlife crisis, a complex web of familial relationships, and the burden of his cultural identity. As he navigates through personal and professional challenges, he is haunted by the figure of the "Horseman," a symbol of moral judgment and a reminder of his own shortcomings. The protagonist's journey is interwoven with flashbacks to his childhood in Montreal, where the influence of his larger-than-life cousin and the vibrant Jewish community of St. Urbain Street shape his worldview. The narrative explores themes of guilt, the search for redemption, and the struggle to reconcile one's ambitions with the expectations of society and family.
The 5935th Greatest Book of All Time
