The Ministry of Special Cases
by Nathan Englander
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Book Reviews of The Ministry of Special Cases
Book Review: Engaging Unlike the Norm
Summary: 5 Stars
Englander's first novel (2nd book) is a novel written by a writer of promising talent. His first book earned him a PEN/Malamund Award and the Sue Kaufman Prize for First Fiction from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
In 'Ministry', the character development of Kaddish, Lillian and their son, Pato, is strong, likable and enduring. Although the story is tragic in theme, it is still engaging and hard to put down. After a while you wonder constantly about the outcome and it keeps the pages turning.
In reading this book you feel like you're in Buenos Aires during the 'Dirty War' and you feel a dichotomy of absolute desparation and hope. If you have the ability to be taken away to a different place in time then you will enjoy this story. If you prefer a plot with a domestic or more timely theme then I'd suggest skipping this one.
As a parent I feel the character's love of their son and their willingness to do anything to see him alive again. As a reader I'm glad to be introduced to such a fine and promising talent.
Book Review: Tragedy and comedy and disaster.
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a well written book, specific in its details as to the "desaparecidos" and the schisms in the Jewish society of Argentina. I had not been aware of the importation of vice by Jewish Pimps between 1880 and 1960. I am overcome with revulsion, and it helped me understand why the Jewish population of Buenos Aires separated itself from the vice. Why they did not accept the children, is another story, also one which disgusts me.
I grew up there, and never new it. My grandparents are burried and I am anxious to see if there indeed is a wall for our protagonist to climb over from one Jewish cemetery to the other.
The relentless pressure by the government to ignore, appease, threaten and destroy its own citizens is Kafkaeske in its convolutions, and gives is another reason to distrust powerful governments. God save us from juntas.
Liked the book. I hope you do to.
Leon
Book Review: Incredibly powerful
Summary: 5 Stars
Ministry of Special Cases is an incredibly powerful book. I can't recall a book as heartbreakingly moving that at the same time makes us furious with the corruption of a government and its bureaucratic apparatus and endeared with the wonderful characters of Lilian and Kaddish. In fact, I can't recall a book where the two main characters create such sympathy and admiration while at the same time being so realistic and unique. It was like every 20 or so pages the reader is set up for a scene of devastating emotional impact, be it the fight between Kaddish and Pato at the cemetery, the telling of the way in which the "disappeared" are killed; the humiliating encounter with the General and his wife; the horrible story of the girl prisoner who finds Pato's notes. It just goes on and on. Englander has produced a masterpiece and I look forward to future workBook Review: Shedding light on a dark era of Argentina
Summary: 5 Stars
I had picked up Englander's The Ministry of Special Cases in an effort to learn more about this horrific time in Argentina's history which occured only decades ago. Having been born & educated in the US, this was a piece of history which never was disucssed in any of my history classes and when I had heard about the topic I was intrigued to learn what really happened during this awful period.
The style of writing is somewhat dark but alas the very real topic the author sinks into is somber at best. The characters are poignant and I found myself pulled into it very quickly, feeling the pain of the family in their endless search for the truth. Englander's novel is a must-read for anyone who wants to begin to scratch the surface of the history of this dark period of Argentina.
Book Review: Quite an engaging read!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book presents what seems at first a humorous look at a serious problem - that of the disappeared Jews in Argentina's "dirty war". As the story progresses, the reader leans that the situation is not quite as funny as it first seems. Although I know some reviewers disapprove of the light-hearted approach with which this book was written, I think that the black humor only makes this book more readable. I love the funny characters who reinforce a sense of poignancy in their desperate attempt to limit their vulnerability in an especially precarious time for Jews in Argentina's history. Englander's taut construction of the story, thoughtful approach to a heart-breaking situation, and outrageous material makes me think of him as a Jewish John Irving!