Joshua Cohen’s 2021 novel ‘The Net anyahus’ is an interesting attempt to blend the sensibilities of the contemporary comic novel with the project of the 19th century historical novel. #bookrecs #booktok #reading #fiction #history

2/20 Edited to

... Read moreReading 'The Netanyahus' offers more than just an entertaining story; it invites readers to engage with complex themes of political ideology, identity, and history through a sharply witty lens. Set in the late 1950s, the novel centers on Ben Netanyahu, a charismatic yet divisive figure who attempts to redefine his identity as a history professor in America, bringing with him personal and political complications. What I found particularly compelling was how Cohen navigates the tensions between historical ambition and personal narrative. The portrayal of Netanyahu’s family dynamics—his wife and notably unruly sons Jonathan, Benjamin, and Iddo—adds layers of drama and humor that reflect broader social and ideological struggles. The novel’s narrator, Ruben Blum, offers a deeply human perspective on these clashes, revealing the emotional toll and ideological battles within academia and beyond. Cohen's storytelling reminds me of the rich tradition of the 19th-century historical novel, yet infused with modern irony and critical reflection, especially regarding Israeli political history and Jewish identity. The novel’s willingness to openly confront political myths, revisionism, and the complexities of assimilation makes it a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the intersections of history, politics, and family life. Its exploration of ideological rigidity versus personal doubt resonates beyond its setting, encouraging readers to ponder the forces shaping our beliefs and identities today. Overall, 'The Netanyahus' is a moving, theologically rich narrative that challenges the boundaries between history and fiction, inviting a reassessment of how personal and political histories intertwine.