Howard Jacobson
Howard Jacobson is an acclaimed British novelist and journalist. Born on August 25, 1942, in Manchester, England, he is best known for his witty and satirical writing style. Jacobson has written several novels, with one of his most notable works being 'The Finkler Question', which won the Man Booker Prize in 2010. His other works often explore themes of love, morality, and the human condition, often through a distinctly Jewish perspective. In addition to his fiction, Jacobson has also produced non-fiction and contributes to various newspapers and literary reviews.
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. The Mighty Walzer
This novel is a coming-of-age story set in 1950s Manchester, revolving around the life of Oliver Walzer, a shy Jewish boy with a prodigious talent for table tennis. Growing up in a close-knit community, Oliver navigates the complexities of adolescence, family dynamics, and cultural identity, all while trying to perfect his game. His journey is filled with humor, heartache, and the pursuit of personal and athletic excellence. As he moves from the safety of his family's home to the broader world, Oliver's experiences reflect the universal challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world.
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2. The Finkler Question: A Novel
The novel explores themes of identity, loss, and love through the lens of three friends - two Jewish and one who wishes he was. It delves into the psyche of the characters as they grapple with anti-Semitism, self-hatred, and their own personal tragedies. The protagonist, a man who starts to believe he is Jewish after a violent mugging, navigates his new identity with humor and introspection, leading to a poignant exploration of what it means to belong.
