Who is Mordecai Richler
Ranked #7,014 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #251,291 overall
Humor and Criticism
Richler used his words to explore memories, faith, relationships, and the social condition. These themes are prevalent in many of his works, and he never shied from strong opinions in his journalistic offerings. His honesty was his greatest defense, as he often faced harsh realities (especially in the form of anti-Semitism).
Mordecai Richler's Novels
- THE ACROBATS (1954) [also known as WICKED WE LOVE (1955)]
- SON OF A SMALLER HERO (1950)
- A CHOICE OF ENEMIES (1957)
- THE APPRENTICESHIP OF DUDDY KRAVITZ (1959)
- THE INCOMPARABLE ATUK (1963)
- COCKSURE (1968)
- ST. URBAIN'S HORSEMAN (1971)
- JOSHUA THEN AND NOW (1980)
- SOLOMON GURSKY WAS HERE (1989)
- BARNEY'S VERSION (1997)
From Barney to Duddy
Most Canadian students start with THE APPRENTICESHIP OF DUDDY KRAVITZ. Growing up in Kentucky, however, I never received a formal introduction to Richler. Instead, my husband gave me a copy of BARNEY'S VERSION as a gift. That was the beginning.Barney made me laugh. He made me shake my head in disbelief. Through Barney, the sincerity of Richler was obvious. Later I took a step back and met Duddy Kravitz, finding many of the elements I loved in Barney (though not quite as grown up).
I certainly have not read all of Richler's works, but there is an honesty in all that I have read that I truly appreciate. The language is direct, though sometimes laced with a personal reach for some philosophical height. There are hints of Philip Roth, which is not a complete surprise given their shared Jewish heritage. In the end, Richler is an original with a voice likely to persevere.
“Coming from Canada, being a writer and Jewish as well, I have impeccable paranoia credentials.”
Richler: Life and Works
Character Debate
Who Has the Most Spunk?
Duddy
Barney
kimmanleyort says:
Not really sure. I read Duddy many, many years ago so I'd have to revisit him. Just saw Barney's Version, though, and he does indeed have spunk.
“Everybody writes a book too many.”
What Are Your Thoughts on Mordecai Richler?
Richler at the Movies
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Vote for your favorite Mordecai Richler stuff
Barney's Version (Vintage International) by Mordecai Richler
Barney Panofsky?Canadian expat, wily lover of wome more...0 points
The Incomparable Atuk (New Canadian Library) by Mordecai Richler
Transplanted to Toronto from his native Baffin Isl more...0 points
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler
<p> From Mordecai Richler, one of our greate more...0 points
Solomon Gursky Was Here by Mordecai Richler
This comic novel won the 1990 Commonwealth Writers more...0 points
Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang by Mordecai Richler
Poor Jacob Two-Two, only two plus two plus two yea more...0 points
Are You a Richler Fan?
Share your thoughts on your favorite works and quotes.
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Tiggered
Apr 1, 2012 @ 6:42 pm | delete
- We seem to be reading the same books, here's another example :)
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kimmanleyort
Mar 10, 2011 @ 11:39 am | delete
- Yes, I am definitely a Richler fan. Growing up in Canada, I read The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz first. Now I live in Indiana, but on my last trip to Canada I picked up Barney's Version. Saw the movie and loved it, now I will read the book. Thanks for introducing the world to Richler. * Angel Blessings for you *
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Barney's Version
Barney's Version (Movie Tie-in Edition)
Amazon Price: $16.84 (as of 06/03/2012)
Do you believe Barney?
Barney has a reputation. Some even believe he is a murderer. He knows the real story, though, and he wants to tell it. Unfortunately, Barney has a problem. While his gift of storytelling his strong, his mind is crumbling. Are his memories real or constructed?
Richler creates a wonderfully human character in Barney. With flaws too numerous to count, Barney earns something akin to sympathy, despite the lack of sympathy he exhibits towards others. Through humor and biting social commentary, Richler forces us to explore relationships, prejudices, and the realities of the mind and aging.
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