The Yiddish Policemen’s Union

Title: The Yiddish Policemen’s Union
Author: Michael Chabon
Published: 2007

Here’s a rare book that I’ve enjoyed (so far) but probably won’t finish.

Today, my book club is discussing the book. I’m missing the meeting because I’m staying home to take care of the girl while Xy is at work (a professional development day).

And so, a dilemma. If I take the time to finish the book now, I will fall behind and not finish next month’s book in time.

The premise of this novel is that a Jewish homeland is established on American soil, in the territory of Alaska, back in 1948. It’s set in our day, as the homeland is set to be dissolved and the future of the Jewish people living there is very much in question. And to give it a pop twist, it’s also a murder mystery, a hard-boiled detective story. Or maybe soft-boiled. I didn’t get far enough to know.

Despite being generally impressed by the quality of the writing, my bookmark is only at page 83. I just haven’t found it a quick read, and life’s been keeping me busy. Looks like I’ll just have to wait for the Coen brothers’ film adaptation.

Since I can’t really comment on the story, I should at least make mention of the physical design of the book. It rocks. Will Staehle’s work is absolutely gorgeous. And apparently it has attracted some attention. It’s not just a good-looking book, it’s a pleasure to hold and read.

Maybe if I’d spent less time admiring the book and more time reading it…