´First generation build the house, second generation lives in it, third generation burrns it down´.
It took me months until this online library loan was available which made me even more curious to get my eyes to this book. And, as in the case of the stellar debut by Brodesser-Akner, Fleishman is in trouble, I wasn´t disappointed.
An inter-generational family story, taunted by trauma, and an incident that marked the family - the kidnapping of the family father, a story inspired by a true story that took part on Long Island decades ago - Long Island Compromise is a novel of modern Jewish life in America.
The author´s fantastic storytelling reminded me of literary sagas of Jewish life in the goldene medine, and it maintains a certain classical storyline, to which (limited) elements of modernity are added. You felt through the story at the end of the 1990s, but a bit far from our turbulent times, but I wasn´t bothered because the ambiance was although authentic, not necessarily relevant for the story. The meeting between worlds happens in a very smooth way, despite the tormented life of the characters themselves.
What really mattered was the stories of the main characters, written over and over again, based on myths or impressions or desire to be different. As Rabbi Weintraum said in the book: ´all families are a Bible story into themselves´.
The stories intertwins with modern or old trauma, personal or generational. It may get subliminally transferred into addiction - sex or drugs - deep depression, identity crisis. Each wants to be out of it, but it falls over and over again. Jenny, the youngest, is the most categoric, as she focused her depressive thoughts into anti-capitalist attitudes. But her grandmother´s voice will come from the background: ´Thus money you hate, it´s all that stands between you and the gas chamber!´. (The book has a realistic critique of the income inequality, without falling into the trap of any ideological take).
People who once were poor, may know how to avoid the curse again, and the (happy) end of the story, with the drama-free acceptance of life - including the terrible secret that saved the family during the Holocaust - is a victory of life.
I enjoyed the story and the ideas shared. Long Island Compromise is a contemporary intelligent Jewish story you shouldn´t miss.
Rating: 4.5 stars
