topics: |  fiction | usa | judaism

six stories on "the role of the Jew in American society".
- http://www.nytimes.com/1959/05/17/books/roth1959-columbus.html
National Book award 1960.

GOODBYE COLUMBUS

Neil Klugman, a Rutgers graduate working in a library, meets and falls in
love with Brenda Patimkin, a rich student at Radcliffe.  The issue of
assimilation is intrinsic to the classism as well, since Brenda is much more
assimilated than Neil. The title, Goodbye, Columbus refers to a record
Brenda's brother listens to about his years as an athlete at The Ohio State
University, further proof of the Patimkins' success at
assimilation. Eventually, the relationship is seen as falling apart, and they
realize their relationship is not based on love but lust.

THE CONVERSION OF THE JEWS

Ozzie Freedman, about 13 years old, confronts his Hebrew school teacher,
Rabbi Binder, with challenging questions such as whether it is possible that
God gave the Virgin Mary a child without having intercourse. Binder
interprets Ozzie's question as insubordinate, though Ozzie sincerely wishes
to better understand God and his faith. When Ozzie continues to ask
challenging questions, Binder slaps him on the face accidentally giving Ozzie
a bloody nose. Ozzie calls Binder a bastard and, without thinking, runs up to
the roof of the synagogue where his Hebrew school lessons are kept.

The rabbi and pupils go out to watch Ozzie on the roof and try to convince
him not to jump. Ozzie threatens to jump unless they all bow down on their
knees in the Christian tradition and admit that God can make a virgin birth,
and furthermore, that they believe in Jesus Christ before he willingly comes
off the roof.

DEFENDER OF THE FAITH

The story deals with a Jewish American army seargent who attempts to resist
the manipulations of a fellow Jew who exploits their joint ethnicity to
receive special favors.

EPSTEIN

The title character goes through a crisis, feeling at age fifty-nine that by
accepting the responsibilities of business, marriage, and parenthood, he has
missed out on life, and starts a affair with another woman.

YOU CAN'T TELL A MAN BY THE SONG HE SINGS

Schoolboy friendship with the ruffian "ex-con" Alberto Pelagutti.  Not a
Judaic theme, for a change.

ELI, THE FANATIC

The assimilated Jews of a small community express fear that their peaceful
coexistence with the Gentiles will be disturbed by the establishment of an
Orthodox yeshiva in their neighborhood.