Job: The Story of A Simple Man

Job is essentially the story of the biblical character Job, transposed into the 20th century, through the life of Mendel Singer, referred to in the book as "an ordinary Jew" who lives with his family in a Jewish community in Russian Eastern Europe and who emigrates to New York City, as part of the major wave of Jewish emigration from the Russian empire to the United States that took place in the years leading up to the First World War. Roth has a clear and poetic style of writing that works well in the story, and he masterfully captures the tension between keeping faith and losing hope when faced with extreme adversity. I give it only 4 stars, perhaps unfairly, only because I found it to be a bit slow, which is attributable to the fact that it is written more in the style of a fable than a novel.

I am only part way through this book, but I am surprised by just how much I am enjoying it. Written in a style reminiscent of a fable or moral tale, it gradually engages the reader in the dynamics of Mendel Singer's family. He and his wife Deborah are from the outset entirely dedicated to nuturing and protecting their children but face many challenges and uncertainties as their traditional family structure changes, and decisions must be taken on a new and possibly risky direction for their future lives. Originally published in 1930, this perceptive perspective on Jewish family life is full of commitment to the values of loyalty and endeavour, while addressing major issues of poverty and hardship, and the impact on faith and hope.

All of Joseph Roth is wonderfulThis story of Job is just as special.Well worth reading! Magical.

A most perfect book.Beautifully written, sad, happy , poetic. Wonderful human story, brilliantly told . Entirely different to The Radetsky March by the same author - an equally good book.

Possibly my favourite Roth book, up there with Falladas best writing, this is an amazing and inspiring book. It will enrich your imagination.

Good

A remarkable text! Roth as his best indeed!

Present.