kaddish.com A novel

kaddish.com A novel by Nathan Englander is a thought-provoking exploration of family and faith, published by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group on February 11, 2020. This reprint edition spans 224 pages and is presented in English. The story follows Larry, a secular son in an Orthodox Brooklyn Jewish family, who faces the daunting task of reciting the Kaddish, the Jewish prayer for the dead, after his father’s passing. His refusal to fulfill this obligation leads him to hire a stranger through a website, setting off a chain of events that challenges both his beliefs and family dynamics.

Readers will find a narrative that delves into the complexities of Jewish traditions and the struggles of modern life. The book presents a blend of humor and irreverence as it examines the tensions between adherence to cultural practices and the desire for personal freedom. Through Larry’s journey, the novel addresses themes of family life and the impact of choices made in the face of grief. Nathan Englander’s storytelling invites reflection on the intersections of faith, identity, and the bonds that tie us to our heritage.