Love it or hate it,
Jew Girl by EminemsRevenge is an unforgettable semi-autobiographical
novel about the struggle of surviving another
day in the post 9/11
New York
City area. The first 50 pages are confusing at times, as is the city to a newcomer. Things fall into place, and the reader is drawn into the lives of the characters, who come to
life in this vulgar, multi-ethnic, Dantesque tale.
Reuven, ''the chosen one'' journeys across the evil city in search of ''the Hamlet of Harlem,'' hoping this man can somehow perform a miracle. All of the subsequent characters
know these two people in some way and while some are entranced by the unusual rainbow that appears that day, others know that the day is ''unlike any other day.''
Eileen, the long-suffering mother; Mauverneen, the siren of the Road Kill Diner; Ian Odamench, the revered teacher with the fading blue tattoo on his left forearm; the triumvirate of Darla, Dora, and Darla; and a host of memorable characters all act their part in this modern day drama. EminemsRevenge presents his characters as Dante did some 600 years ago, incorporating well known figures with people from his own life. Often vulger, this book is written in the vernacular of the city streets. How the races and religions interact is an integral part of the novel.
The terminology in
Jew Girl is often difficult to comprehend. Foreign and religious words and phrases are interjected into the novel in a new and exciting, often arduous to comprehend way. (There is a glossary in the back for the reader.) EminemsRevenge creates new words to suit his purpose, and they enhance this dramatic saga of players in this one day of their ordinary lives.
The ending is abrupt and seemingly unfinished, but many things in life end that way.
Love it or hate it,
Jew Girl should be required reading for all who wish to know the mindset of many in modern New York. The struggle to digest the book is well worth the effort.
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