The nastiest person I had to deal with in my Jewish literature interview series was Elisa Albert who took great offense when I quoted the New York Times write-up of her marriage (since ended). Elisa threatened me with legal action.
The German Bride, Joanna Hershon’s third novel, is that rare thing: a historical novel that unfolds organically without a whole lot of “Look at me! I’m a historical novel!”
…which is perhaps why the New York Times couldn’t quite figure out how to properly essentialize: the title and opening of the Times review are pretty goddamn idiotic and offensive given that Hershon’s novel has nothing whatsoever to do with Yiddish culture.
Whenever I read the word "offensive", I figure the writer is a thin-skinned ninny.
And what kind of person uses the word "essentialize"?
Now I’m going to actualize myself and have lunch.
