The Very Model of a Man

by Howard Jacobson

Book Overview

This is, in part the story of Cain and Abel, told from the point of view of Cain. It is also about the nature of family relationships and sibling rivalry and about Jewishness. Along the way the book... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879515228
• ISBN13: 9780879515225
• Release Date: October 1994
• Publisher: Overlook Books
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A delightfully irreverant critique of the Father

I borrowed this book out of desperation for distraction on a disappointing holiday after having re-read the three magazines I had thriftily allowed myself to bring along. There were no accessible bookstores - this was among a number of trashy novels at a bed and breakfast in a forsaken town. It didn't look like much on the outside (never judge...) but - from the first paragraph I lightly skimmed - I was mesmerised. I took it with me furtively as I left for the next town. It has become one of the most rewarding books I have read: A self-deprecating, soul-searching character study with every other sentence tempting me to memorise it as a valuable quote to recycle. Youngzheimers though would necessitate I re-read it - a rare compliment from me for any book. This pearl is a mongrel: part inmate diary, part road story, part philosophical treatise, part primordial psychoanalysis, and all wrapped in a loving tribute to the gift of word (and Word).