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Gentleman's Agreement (1946)

by Laura Z. Hobson(Favorite Author)

3.95 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

1453238751 (ISBN13: 9781453238752)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Open Road Media

review 1: I found this novel in an "old books" box at our local library's book sale. I enjoy reading novels written before 1960 because they usually lack the angst and social analysis of many of today's novels that tend to cover child abuse, dysfunctional families, single parenting, etc. This one was written in 1946 and actually addressed a social issue of the time: anti-semitism. The main storyline is about a magazine writer in New York City who has been assigned the task of writing a series on anti-semitism in the U.S. He decides to write it from the angle of being a Christian who becomes a Jew for 8 weeks. Since he is new in NYC and in the office, he can easily make the claim of being Jewish. What he learns about society, his family, and himself as he faces both subtle and ... moreblatant prejudices makes this a very interesting story.
review 2: This book made a huge splash when released, so quickly after the end of WWII. One needs to keep in mind that times have, mercifully, changed, so the plot can feel out-of-date. However, it does pass the test of time as long as one keeps in mind when it was written and what the nation was like in 1947. Well-written and draws the reader in, offering a glimpse into the time it was crafted.The author has an unusual personal history, which is worth discovering.The movie, Ocsar-winning, is fabulously adapted, and includes Gregory Peck, among other well-known actors. All, except Peck, were called before HUAC as a result of their participation in the film. less

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