This is the first book of its kind to provide an analysis of the representation of Jews in American war novels throughout the long twentieth century.

This study delineates the intricate relationship between Jews and wars. Are Jews depicted as draft dodgers or heroes in American war fiction? How do Jewish soldiers cope with anti-Semitism in war novels? Do Jewish women contribute to the war effort? Addressing these questions, among others, this book analyzes texts, some of which have been overlooked by critics and some by well-known authors, such as Ernest Hemingway and Philip Roth, in order to trace the changes in the perception of Jews in relation to war. Scrutinizing themes such as blood and masculinity, The Jew in the American War Novel argues that the depiction of the Jew is characterized by progression and then regression; in war novels published shortly after WWI, non-Jews see Jews as draft evaders who lack masculinity. After WWII, Jews began to be seen as contributing to the warfare. However, toward the end of twentieth century, reflecting the reemergence of prevalent anti-Semitism, Jews are once again seen as disloyal, resulting in a clash between the sense of Jewish and American identities.

About the Author
Ohad Reznick is an Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern & South Asian Languages & Cultures at the University of Virginia.

Reviews

"In these troubled times, this book's exploration of the portrayal of changing relationships between Jewish and American identities in novels about war across the twentieth century, and its focus on positive representations of Jewish characters in fiction, is most timely."

Anthony Lake, University of Roehampton

"What does it mean to be a Jew, an American, and a soldier? Ohad Reznick offers original insight into a century of fiction to re-examine ideas of Jewish identity."

Raffaele Esposito, University of Naples L'Orientale

Book Information
ISBN 9781032995328
Author Ohad Reznick
Format Hardback
Page Count 208
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd