In 'Kaddish.com', Nathan Englander weaves a poignant tale that explores faith, loss, and the complex ties of family. The narrative revolves around a man who finds himself grappling with his Jewish identity and the rituals that tether him to his heritage. After his father passes away, he must navigate the murky waters of mourning and memory, all while reluctantly turning to an unorthodox online service to fulfill a sacred promise. As the protagonist delves deeper into his role and responsibilities, he uncovers surprising truths about love, obligation, and the very essence of remembrance. This thought-provoking story captivates readers, inviting them to ponder their own connections to tradition and the digital age.
By Nathan Englander
Published: 2019
""In a world where the past is an inescapable echo, sometimes the only way to find peace is to confront the memories we wish to forget.""
From the Pulitzer prize shortlisted author of What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank, a brilliant, streamlined comic novel, reminiscent of early Philip Roth. Larry is an atheist in a family of orthodox Memphis Jews. When his father dies, it is his responsibility as the surviving son to recite the Kaddish, the Jewish prayer for the dead, every day for 11 months. To the horror and dismay of his mother and sisters, Larry refuses-thus imperiling the fate of his father's soul. To appease them, and in penance for failing to mourn his father correctly, he hatches an ingenious if cynical plan, hiring a stranger through a website called Kaddish.com to recite the daily prayer and shepherd his father's soul safely to rest. This is Nathan Englander's freshest and funniest work to date-a satire that touches, lightly and with unforgettable humor, on the conflict between religious and secular worlds, and the hypocrisies that run through both. A novel about atonement; family and duty; about spiritual redemption; and about the soul-sickening temptations of the internet, which, like God, is everywhere.
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“"In a world where the past is an inescapable echo, sometimes the only way to find peace is to confront the memories we wish to forget."”
Kaddish. com
By Nathan Englander
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Nathan Englander is an acclaimed American author known for his poignant and thought-provoking storytelling, often exploring themes of identity, faith, and the complexities of human experience. His notable works include 'For the Relief of Unbearable Urges', a collection of short stories that tackle the struggles of Jewish characters in contemporary settings, and 'The Ministry of Special Cases', a novel that delves into Argentina's Dirty War. Englander's writing is characterized by its blend of humor and gravity, as well as its deep empathy for his characters. He has received several prestigious awards, including the PEN/Malamud Award and the Judeo-Christian Award for Literature.
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