by Herman Wouk
First published 1995
Israel David Goodkind grows up torn between two worlds. His Orthodox Jewish upbringing anchors him in tradition and faith, while the glittering promise of American success pulls him toward Broadway stages and Hollywood studios. As Israel comes of age, he watches his family scatter across the country, each member chasing their own version of the American dream. Some find their way into entertainment, others into the corridors of political power. War reshapes their lives and tests their bonds. Israel must decide whether to abandon his religious roots for worldly achievement or find a way to honor both his heritage and his ambitions. The family's journey spans decades of American life, from immigrant struggles to mainstream success. Their story reveals the price of assimilation and the enduring pull of identity. Israel discovers that the choice between inside and outside may not be as simple as he once believed.
Genres: family, american-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century, american, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: America, Broadway, Hollywood
Period: 20th Century, 21st Century
655 pages · Paperback · Little, Brown Paperbacks