01
Why it matters
Jacobson uses uncomfortable comedy to examine friendship, antisemitism, and empathy.
A celebrated work
The Finkler Question
Howard Jacobson2010 selection · Literary fiction
The Finkler Question
Julian Treslove’s fascination with his Jewish friends intensifies after a mugging leaves him questioning identity and belonging. His comic self-absorption intersects with grief and arguments about Jewish life.
02
Read this if…
You enjoy argumentative social comedy with deliberately flawed characters.
03
Ideas inside
identityfriendshipantisemitismgrief
Get or borrow
Continue with this book.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Editorial selections are independent.
Further reading
Read the critics
Independent reviews and criticism from established publications. Links open at the original outlet.
Primary record
Verify the selection
Every inclusion traces back to the organization that made the selection.
Booker Prize — official winner recordOfficial record↗ (opens in a new tab)