The Yiddish Policemen's Union

I almost abandoned the book several times. I did not understand the background until after reading the book at then reading someone's review. I had to re-read several pages trying to make sense of them. I turned the glossary a lot, which I thought was helpful, but there were still a lot of words that were not listed. I don't plan on recommended it to friends.

This book is a work of art. Chabon reinvents the detective story while keeping its conventions. Take "The Big Sleep" meets "Blade Runner", make every character Jewish and set it in near-present Alaska. The imagery and description is so compelling and complex, I found myself re-reading paragraphs just for the enjoyment of the words. I got lost in this book, and that's the reason I read.

I read all the reviews and sympathize with the person who said he/she may have been thrown off by all the "Yiddish stuff." I love all of Chabon's books--The Adventures of Cavalier and Clay is one of my all-time favorites--and I loved this book too but I can definitely see how someone not familiar with the Yiddish language and Jewish culture would get lost and lose patience. However, if you do know about Hasidic Jewish culture, the tension between secular and religious Jews, and if you know a bit of Yiddish, this book is hilarious and, of course, because it's Chabon, brilliantly written.

Imagine a land with Indians and Jews meshed together by Presidential decree, gangster Jews running around as card sharks and terrorists bent on resdiscovering the second Temple. Then through in a semi-rogue, rarely sober cop, living in a flea-bog hotel gets sucked in by the murder of a chess-obsessed heroin addict who is also supposed to be a messiah. Oh, and the cop's new boss, his ex-wife. This story for the ages runs through so many facets of history, ancient and otherwise, in an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable read. Chabon is clearly a master storyteller with wit and intrigue to keep the story going. In this day of formulaic novels and give it to me now digital influences, this book is a welcome repreive and reminder of the power of the written word.

In 1948 with the collapse of Israel, the question of a Jewish State is temporarily resolved when Alaska becomes the homeland for the Diaspora Jews. However, the agreement is that this is not the Promised Land as the Alaskan Settlement Act authorized a sixty year lease. In two months, the Reversion occurs raising the question what to do about two million Alaskan Jews. --- Sitka police detective Meyer Landsman relies on alcohol to keep him from going over the edge. His marriage died alongside the abortion of their birth defected fetus while his sister died in a plane crash. His sleuthing skills no longer are keen as he does not care whether he solves a case or not. --- Shocking even himself, a murder in his dumpy Hotel Zamenhof awakens the once dedicated cop inside of Landsman as he goes for one last piece of glory knowing he will be unemployed once the reversion is implemented. The victim Emanuel Lasker was a harmless heroin addict who played chess no apparent motive surfaces as to why he was executed. Even more surprising is his former wife and suddenly current boss have reentered his life and he has been promoted the police chief for the final sixty days. Still Landsman allows nothing to intervene in his uncovering the identity of the culprit that is nothing except some hazy rumor that his sister was murdered instead of dying in an accident. --- This interesting alternate history police procedural frozen Noir provides a fascinating spin to the twentieth century issue of the Jewish homeland. The kvetching levels are stratospheric as fears of being abandoned again lead to the historical chosen mantra 'It's a strange time to be a Jew.' Landsman is an interesting character who finds redemption in the murder investigation. Though a conspiracy takes away from the prime theme of what if the Jews were placed elsewhere, readers will appreciate this innovative thriller. --- Harriet Klausner

As a fan of the author, I have read most of his books. This one was good but difficult to follow. As others have said, the Yiddish was difficult to follow even with a glossary. But if, like me, you are a fan of his other work then you should read it.

The review I read of this book made it sound intriguing. I read about half of the book, but finally I gave it up as I found the story hard to follow. I think someone conversant with the language that Jewish people use would really enjoy this story. Unfortunately, for me, it was just too difficult trying to discern what the words were saying. My son says that he loves books by Michael Chabon, and I feel that this has potential to be a fine story. I just was stalled by the language barrier.

Great book.

This book is a very sharp parody/critique of Zionism. You don't need to be Jewish to really get this book (I'm not), but a good understanding of Judaism or Zionism would be helpful. As the dustjacket states, this books is all sorts of stories in one (part mystery, part critique, part story about love and life). I love the way Chabon writes, and am looking forward to reading more of his work.

I have to admit I was a little put off by the cover. I was searching for a bookclub novel that was a little bit different. I found the title of the book to be intriquing and after reading the synopsis I purchased the book. I enjoyed the book right from the beginning. Michael Chabon has a way of developing each character so that you feel you could sit down and play chess with them. He develops the plot slowly with humor that actually had me laughing out loud at times. It is a classic "who done it" with an unbelievable twist. I thought to myself "Oy vey, who comes up with this stuff." His use of the Yiddish language throughout the book only adds to making it a more genuine read. I didn't even know there was a glossary in the back until I had turned the last page. The only negative comment that I have is that sometimes it was a bit verbose but I attribute that to Michael Chabbon's literary signature. It's a great read and one that should be added to everyone's must read list.

This book was really different. Not only an acceptable mystery but an intriguing "what if" on a major historical event. It's thoughtful and the characters are compelling. So believable that I hit Wikipedia upon finishing the book to find out if I'd missed my history class when this "happened". Not a quick read, but well worth the time.

Mr. Chabon writes a masterpiece of a ¿what-if¿ portion of history. In this case, what if the Jews lost their War on Independence on 1948?

The solution was one proffered at that time, of region in Sitka Alaska for a 40 year term, after which there would be no more sanctuary.

In clear, lyric writing, Chabon brings out the historical facts and dress them with the ¿ghetto mentality¿ prevalent in European Jewry. No longer did the "New Jew" posses the Spartan-like Israeli warrior; instead, we still have the pacifistic minority who try to eke out a living. We see that self-determination is not even on the radar screen for this forlorn group.

This mystery is shrouded with ¿Jewish-isms¿ ¿ the cerebral approach; psychological turmoil; lust for life (over cover); some of the underground elements (which include some of the arcane elements of the red heifer paradox). It even characterizes the Chasidim, as the Other, as well as the fractious Jewish community.

I used this book in a book club with extraordinarily good results, particularly showing how the World War 2 generation coped to survive in a world hostile to Jews.

I waited a month to get this book from my public library and I trudged through 130 pages and gave up. I loved The Mysteries of Pittsburgh but all of his other ones didn't tempt me. I decided to read this one because of all the recommendations. I'm sorry I wasted my time. It was very slow and tedious reading. Being jewish, I really thought I would enjoy the jewish theme but I was wrong.

I waited so long for this book to be published. I rushed to the bookstore to purchased it immediately.I regret that now.It's a flat,boring,uneven box. I finally plugged my way to the end, but it was tempting to just put it away and forget it. It wasn't worth the time invested in trying to get through it. Maybe I need to learn Yiddish,as many words were puzzling and caused the story the story to lose flow and tone.

The author has a gift for language akin to Anthony Burgess, but totally different in style. Chabon presents an alternative history of the aftermath of the Holocaust. Some members of my synagogue's book club found it offensive but I enjoyed the author's dark humor. A familiarity with Jewish tradition will make the book more enjoyable.

Hey* motions u to come to her*