Call number
FIC SOL
Collection
Genres
Publication
Reagan Arthur Books (2010), Edition: 1, 368 pages
Description
After escaping Germany during WWII, Jack and Sadie Rosenblum, together with their baby daughter, settle into a life of acting "English." In post-war England, however, no golf club will admit a Rosenblum. So Jack hatches a wild idea: he'll build his own. It's an obsession Sadie does not share, particularly when Jack relocates them to a thatched roof cottage in Dorset to embark on his project.
Media reviews
In its attention to the ways immigrants can become alienated from both their native and their adopted countries, Mr Rosenblum's List has much more to it than the nostalgic vision of Englishness suggested by its cover.
User reviews
LibraryThing member nicx27
Jack and Sadie Rosenblum are Germans who have come to live in England in 1937. On arrival, they are given a pamphlet explaining how they should behave, speak etc to be perfect British citizens. Sadie is not impressed, and misses her old life in Germany, whereas Jack takes it all on board and sets
I expected this book to be a charming story of a couple struggling to fit in to a foreign culture, and thought there would be lots of little faux pas that would be amusing and sweet to read. However, this book is pretty much all about Jack trying to achieve the final entry on his list (which he has amended and added to over the years), which is to be a member of a golf club. When he is turned down for membership of every club in the country, he decides to build his own course in Dorset.
I was disappointed in this book, and feel that it’s not quite what it says in the blurb. It’s obviously quaint and eccentric, but not what I was hoping and expecting it to be unfortunately.
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out to leave his old life behind and be a proper English gentleman. I expected this book to be a charming story of a couple struggling to fit in to a foreign culture, and thought there would be lots of little faux pas that would be amusing and sweet to read. However, this book is pretty much all about Jack trying to achieve the final entry on his list (which he has amended and added to over the years), which is to be a member of a golf club. When he is turned down for membership of every club in the country, he decides to build his own course in Dorset.
I was disappointed in this book, and feel that it’s not quite what it says in the blurb. It’s obviously quaint and eccentric, but not what I was hoping and expecting it to be unfortunately.
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LibraryThing member Staciele
I was intrigued by this book 1) because I love historical fiction. 2) because my heritage is both German and Welsh. 3) the story of someone trying so hard to be accepted.
I will have to admit, this book started off a little slow for me and I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. But once I got
I just adored Mrs Rosenblum (Sadie) and would have loved to be with her in her kitchen baking all day long. She remained faithful to her husband's dream even if she wasn't happy about it and found her way in the new world. And in that process found her way back to her husband. And when he fell, surprisingly, she was the one to pick him back up. I admired her for that and for not carrying the bitterness that I am sure she felt.
This story is a lovely, quiet read, perfect for those cold winter evenings. You don't have to be a lover of golf to enjoy this story, but if you are, it would add another level of appreciation.
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Our book club discussed this book as well. Everybody pretty much felt the same way about it as I did. They said it took until Sadie had her incident at the pond before they got really into the story. Many of them were frustrated with Mr. Rosenblum but could understand his desire to feel included. We also were intrigued with the baking of the baumtorte. The relationship between Sadie and Jack was also a point of discussion and how it resembled many of today's relationships.
I will have to admit, this book started off a little slow for me and I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. But once I got
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past the half-way mark, I was completely interested and was looking forward to seeing how the story played out. Many times I wanted to strangle Mr Rosenblum and then a few pages later I was feeling sorry for him. He was so focused on becoming an Englishman that he lost sight of other important things in the process. This story plays out in our lives now and I see this with others trying so hard to prove themselves in their careers that they lose sight of their family in the process. I just adored Mrs Rosenblum (Sadie) and would have loved to be with her in her kitchen baking all day long. She remained faithful to her husband's dream even if she wasn't happy about it and found her way in the new world. And in that process found her way back to her husband. And when he fell, surprisingly, she was the one to pick him back up. I admired her for that and for not carrying the bitterness that I am sure she felt.
This story is a lovely, quiet read, perfect for those cold winter evenings. You don't have to be a lover of golf to enjoy this story, but if you are, it would add another level of appreciation.
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Our book club discussed this book as well. Everybody pretty much felt the same way about it as I did. They said it took until Sadie had her incident at the pond before they got really into the story. Many of them were frustrated with Mr. Rosenblum but could understand his desire to feel included. We also were intrigued with the baking of the baumtorte. The relationship between Sadie and Jack was also a point of discussion and how it resembled many of today's relationships.
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LibraryThing member Amsa1959
I did not like it. it was more tragic than fun.
LibraryThing member martitia
Jack and Sadie Rosenblum with daughter Elizabeth escape Germany at the beginning of World War II. On their arrival in England, a man from the German Jewish Aid Committee hands them a pamphlet on helpful information for refugees. Jack believes the pamphlet is a recipe for happiness, setting out the
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rules for becoming a genuine Englishman. As they settle into a new life, Jack applies for membership in various golf clubs. When every club rejects him, Jack and his wife move to a small village in Dorset. Determined to obtain his dream, Jack enthusiastically plans a golf course on their property. But, Sadie mourns for the family left behind in Germany and bakes cakes in remembrance. Natasha Solomons balances sorrow and humor in her novel about assimilation, remembrance and rural life. She dusts the storyline with a touch of magic and populates the Dorset countryside with quirky characters. This quiet novel has its roots in the history of her grandparents. Show Less
LibraryThing member CMash
Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English by Natasha Solomon
Published by Reagan Arthur Books/Little, Brown and Company
ISBN 978-0-316-07758-3
At the request of Reagan Arthur/Hachette Books a HC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis (borrowed from book's jacket): At the outset of World War
It's an obsession Sadie does not share, particularly when Jack relocates them to a thatch-roofed cottage in Dorset to embark on his project. She doesn't want to forget who they are or where they came from. She wants to bake the cakes she used to serve to friends in the old country and reminisce. Now she's stuck in an inhospitable landscape filled with unwelcoming people, watching their bank account shrink as Jack pursues his quixotic dream.
My Thoughts and Opinion: I have to be honest that I was quite skeptical in reading this book because I received it with no prior knowledge and add to that, that this was a debut novel. It is not the type of book that I would routinely read, but was pleasantly surprised once I picked it up. Ms. Solomons writing style was written, with such detailed descriptions and with the flow of the story line, as if it was by a seasoned author. The characters relatable. I found that there were a gamut of emotions felt for both Mr. Rosenblum and his wife, Sadie due to the descriptive and poignant words that the author was able to convey to this reader. I did enjoy this book but, and this is my opinion and my opinion only, it was not a fast paced, page turning read. I didn't find myself "needing" to pick it up. (Possible Spoiler Alert)......I was surprised to see that the premise of this story was taken from her "grandparent's experience" and wonder if I had known that it was based on reality that I would have had a different reading experience.
Rating: 3
Published by Reagan Arthur Books/Little, Brown and Company
ISBN 978-0-316-07758-3
At the request of Reagan Arthur/Hachette Books a HC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis (borrowed from book's jacket): At the outset of World War
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II, Jack Rosenblum, his wife, Sadie, and their baby daughter escape Berlin, bound for London. They are greeted with a pamphlet instructing immigrants how to act like "the English." Jack acquires Savile Row suits and a Jaguar. He buys his marmalade from Fortnum & Mason and learns to list the entire British monarchy back to 978 AD. He never speaks German, apart for the occasional curse. But the one key item that would make him feel fully British-membership in a golf club-remains elusive. In postwar England, no golf club will admit a Rosenblum. Jack hatches a wild idea, he''ll build his own.It's an obsession Sadie does not share, particularly when Jack relocates them to a thatch-roofed cottage in Dorset to embark on his project. She doesn't want to forget who they are or where they came from. She wants to bake the cakes she used to serve to friends in the old country and reminisce. Now she's stuck in an inhospitable landscape filled with unwelcoming people, watching their bank account shrink as Jack pursues his quixotic dream.
My Thoughts and Opinion: I have to be honest that I was quite skeptical in reading this book because I received it with no prior knowledge and add to that, that this was a debut novel. It is not the type of book that I would routinely read, but was pleasantly surprised once I picked it up. Ms. Solomons writing style was written, with such detailed descriptions and with the flow of the story line, as if it was by a seasoned author. The characters relatable. I found that there were a gamut of emotions felt for both Mr. Rosenblum and his wife, Sadie due to the descriptive and poignant words that the author was able to convey to this reader. I did enjoy this book but, and this is my opinion and my opinion only, it was not a fast paced, page turning read. I didn't find myself "needing" to pick it up. (Possible Spoiler Alert)......I was surprised to see that the premise of this story was taken from her "grandparent's experience" and wonder if I had known that it was based on reality that I would have had a different reading experience.
Rating: 3
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LibraryThing member flydodofly
A wonderful book. I laughed out loud and wiped teary eyes on the way, sharing ups and downs of a couple looking for - home. Having just finished reading, I miss Jack and Sadie already, and while I was reading I missed having grandparents like them, out in the countryside, learning important lessons
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about life, and what is really important. Show Less
LibraryThing member CookieDemon
I recently read Solomon's "A Novel in the Viola" and loved it, so was particularly eager to see if this novel retained a similar kind of magic. Actually for me, this was even better- because it was so wonderfully off the wall and was a brilliantly eclectic mix of humour, heartbreak and optimism.
Though the title of the book initially appeared a bit frothy and the cover a little bit twee, the context of the novel is actually quite substantial, focusing on a Jewish immigrant family arriving in Britain during WWII. Jacob (Jack) Rosenblum becomes fixated with trying to be accepted by his new countrymen and fitting in as a proper `English gentleman' much to the chagrin of his long-suffering wife, Sadie. Moving from London to deepest Dorset, the book chronicles the trials and tribulations of the immigrants trying to gain acceptance, a theme which will no doubt resonate with a lot of readers.
The tone of this novel rather put me in mind of Alexander McCall Smiths books- gentle and thought provoking, despite the issues concentrated on. The plot is not fast-paced but becomes all the more appealing for that and as a reader you really get pulled into the story and experience Jack and Sadie's journeys and troubles along with them.
The characters are wonderfully written and retain a real sense of charm and whimsy with all of their funny little foibles. The only one I couldn't really feel a lot for was Elizabeth, Jack and Sadie's daughter, who did appear a little bit one dimensional. I really felt for Sadie, a woman who has suffered her own set of heartbreaks in the past, yet isn't really understood by her husband. She was a different kind of heroine to read about, which I enjoyed.
I would say that if you are looking for a different kind of read away from gushy romance or gory horror then to definitely give this a go. It is wonderfully old-fashioned and sweet- but thankfully never sickeningly so.
*This review also appears on Amazon.co.uk*
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This is a really cracking novel and as far as debuts go, I found it flawless.Though the title of the book initially appeared a bit frothy and the cover a little bit twee, the context of the novel is actually quite substantial, focusing on a Jewish immigrant family arriving in Britain during WWII. Jacob (Jack) Rosenblum becomes fixated with trying to be accepted by his new countrymen and fitting in as a proper `English gentleman' much to the chagrin of his long-suffering wife, Sadie. Moving from London to deepest Dorset, the book chronicles the trials and tribulations of the immigrants trying to gain acceptance, a theme which will no doubt resonate with a lot of readers.
The tone of this novel rather put me in mind of Alexander McCall Smiths books- gentle and thought provoking, despite the issues concentrated on. The plot is not fast-paced but becomes all the more appealing for that and as a reader you really get pulled into the story and experience Jack and Sadie's journeys and troubles along with them.
The characters are wonderfully written and retain a real sense of charm and whimsy with all of their funny little foibles. The only one I couldn't really feel a lot for was Elizabeth, Jack and Sadie's daughter, who did appear a little bit one dimensional. I really felt for Sadie, a woman who has suffered her own set of heartbreaks in the past, yet isn't really understood by her husband. She was a different kind of heroine to read about, which I enjoyed.
I would say that if you are looking for a different kind of read away from gushy romance or gory horror then to definitely give this a go. It is wonderfully old-fashioned and sweet- but thankfully never sickeningly so.
*This review also appears on Amazon.co.uk*
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LibraryThing member ElizabethPotter
This book is about a Jewish man and his wife who escape the Nazis and find shelter in England. Jack has burning desire to become an English man and fit in. He tries to join a golf club, but then decides to build his own because this is the final item which will make him truly English. This book
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eloquently shows us what it means to be human through Jack's sucesses and his setbacks. Many books have good characters and good plots, but this book goes deeper. The immigrant experience in this book teaches us about ourselves and one another. Some of these phrase are somewhat cliche, but this book merits that description. Show Less
LibraryThing member lrosenb
A simply lovely but subtly complicated book. Mr. Rosenblum wants nothing more passionately than to be a perfect English gentleman. The problem is, he's a Jewish immigrant, hopelessly out of place. Nonetheless he learns to dress, speak, and behave like a true Englishman. All he needs now is
This is a bittersweet comedy, or a very funny book of tragic history, depending on how you look at it. There's a wonderful marriage in the midst of this book, and a great focus on friendship. I plan to read The House at Tyneford.
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membership to a gold club...This is a bittersweet comedy, or a very funny book of tragic history, depending on how you look at it. There's a wonderful marriage in the midst of this book, and a great focus on friendship. I plan to read The House at Tyneford.
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LibraryThing member sueinauckland
German Jewish refugee, Jack Rosenblum, in England pre and post WWII. Has an extensive list of 'rules' for the aspiring Englishman. Creates a successful carpet company, then decides to move to rural Dorset and build a golf club. Writes to Bobby Jones for advice on building the course. Problems with
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locals, and giant woolly-pig. Show Less
LibraryThing member jayne_charles
This book follows the fortunes of Jack and Sadie, Jewish refugees from Germany trying to gain acceptance into English society in the years following the second world war. The way Jack is treated by some “proper” English people begs the question why he would ever want to be one of them, and yet
The author writes with such skill – describing the rural setting in such a way that the greenery seems to poke up through the page, and doing so again and again and making it new every time. She also incorporates little bits of magic into the story without ever stopping it feeling real. There is profound sadness but it is nicely balanced by humour, and there are issues – like the loss of the characters’ cultural identity and links with the past – which are clearly traceable as the story unfolds.
The author’s notes – complete with recipe - at the end were illuminating too. I am so going to make a Baumtorte.
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his tenacity is one of the things that make him such an engaging character.The author writes with such skill – describing the rural setting in such a way that the greenery seems to poke up through the page, and doing so again and again and making it new every time. She also incorporates little bits of magic into the story without ever stopping it feeling real. There is profound sadness but it is nicely balanced by humour, and there are issues – like the loss of the characters’ cultural identity and links with the past – which are clearly traceable as the story unfolds.
The author’s notes – complete with recipe - at the end were illuminating too. I am so going to make a Baumtorte.
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LibraryThing member picardyrose
Just adorable story of a German couple who make it to London in 1937 and the rest of their lives. Mrs. Rosenblum can't recover from the grief of losing her family to the Nazis, but Mr. Rosenblum is convinced their safety lies in his ability to become the perfect Englishman.
LibraryThing member CasaBooks
Fun reading as well as some messages to take with you.
German Jews who escape WWII to England - and Oh, his attempts to BECOME "English" !
Or he'll build a part of England that's his and he can BE English.
Local characters, etc.
Enjoyed it.
Read in 2010.
German Jews who escape WWII to England - and Oh, his attempts to BECOME "English" !
Or he'll build a part of England that's his and he can BE English.
Local characters, etc.
Enjoyed it.
Read in 2010.
LibraryThing member Clifford.Terry
A delightful and magical book about culture and assimilation.
LibraryThing member Cassandra2020
For me, this book split into two halves.
The Rosenblum's arrive in Britain as refugees from pre-War Nazi Germany. On arrival they're given a list of do's & don'ts to help them acclimatise and assimilate into British life. Jack Rosenblum takes these to heart, adhering to them strictly and even adding
Jack is successful and when thwarted in his attempts to join a golf club, he ups sticks and moves to Dorset where he plans to build his own course. Again, racism rears it's ugly head but, to be fair, it's more of the 'incomer' to a small village than his race and religion per se. This is where the story picked up for me and I enjoyed the second half of the book much more. Jack takes to his task and begins to win friends in the village. His wife, Sadie, also comes more to the fore and you watch her work through her sadness of losing her home in Germany, then London before finally settling into Dorset life. Her sadness of family lost and the way she bakes to remember are so touching and yet totally ignored by Jack who is consumed by his Golf Course,
The story builds to it's denouement and is hardly a surprise, but still enjoyable. I did find, though, that it wrapped up rather too abruptly, I would have liked a little more of what happened next, before we got to the 'final' chapter.
One last thing: One of the things I found most interesting was the postscript notes. The real people that the author amalgamated to create the Rosenblums and the real list that was given to refugees at that time.
The Rosenblum's arrive in Britain as refugees from pre-War Nazi Germany. On arrival they're given a list of do's & don'ts to help them acclimatise and assimilate into British life. Jack Rosenblum takes these to heart, adhering to them strictly and even adding
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additional 'rules' as he strives to become the perfect English Gentleman. The thing I found difficult with all this, is the casual, institutional racism - not that it didn't exist, but more that it must have mirrored the experiences of my Father when he arrived, post-war, as a refugee from Eastern Europe. I don't remember him saying that he was given a 'list' but he was certainly held in a camp for a couple of weeks whilst they were taught rudimentary English before sending them out into the working world. It was all too personal for me and I didn't enjoy reading it. That the author could engender that level of feeling is testament to her ability.Jack is successful and when thwarted in his attempts to join a golf club, he ups sticks and moves to Dorset where he plans to build his own course. Again, racism rears it's ugly head but, to be fair, it's more of the 'incomer' to a small village than his race and religion per se. This is where the story picked up for me and I enjoyed the second half of the book much more. Jack takes to his task and begins to win friends in the village. His wife, Sadie, also comes more to the fore and you watch her work through her sadness of losing her home in Germany, then London before finally settling into Dorset life. Her sadness of family lost and the way she bakes to remember are so touching and yet totally ignored by Jack who is consumed by his Golf Course,
The story builds to it's denouement and is hardly a surprise, but still enjoyable. I did find, though, that it wrapped up rather too abruptly, I would have liked a little more of what happened next, before we got to the 'final' chapter.
One last thing: One of the things I found most interesting was the postscript notes. The real people that the author amalgamated to create the Rosenblums and the real list that was given to refugees at that time.
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LibraryThing member CarmenMilligan
I need to come to terms with the fact that I am not going to finish this book. It has languished on my "Reading Now" shelf while I have read a number of other books; and, I am not going to pick it back up. I just didn't miss it, and I never wondered how it ended. It's time for me to write an
Don't get me wrong, it was a cute book...what I read of it. I liked his wife, Sadie, the most. I just never really became invested in the story. Jack was a bit of a caricature to me. He pursued a single endeavor to the exclusion of all else, until another endeavor caught his fancy. He was single-minded, selfish, and naïve enough to let those things which should have been most dear to him slip away. I just became to frustrated with his character to really care what happened.
I am sorry to say that I cannot recommend this one.
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abbreviated review of what I did read, and move on.Don't get me wrong, it was a cute book...what I read of it. I liked his wife, Sadie, the most. I just never really became invested in the story. Jack was a bit of a caricature to me. He pursued a single endeavor to the exclusion of all else, until another endeavor caught his fancy. He was single-minded, selfish, and naïve enough to let those things which should have been most dear to him slip away. I just became to frustrated with his character to really care what happened.
I am sorry to say that I cannot recommend this one.
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LibraryThing member bibliest
Jack Rosenblum is five foot three and a half inches of sheer tenacity and through study and application he intends to become a Very English Gentleman.
Jack is compiling a list: a comprehensive guide to the manners, customs and habits of England. And he never speaks German, apart from the occasional
From the moment he disembarked at Harwich in 1937 he understood that assimilation was the key. But the war’s been over for eight years and despite his best efforts, his bid to blend in remains fraught with unexpected hurdles. Including his wife.
Sadie finds his obsession baffling. She doesn’t want to forget who they are or where they came from. She’d rather bake cakes to remember the people they left behind than worry about how to play tennis.
Jack is compiling a list: a comprehensive guide to the manners, customs and habits of England. And he never speaks German, apart from the occasional
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curse.From the moment he disembarked at Harwich in 1937 he understood that assimilation was the key. But the war’s been over for eight years and despite his best efforts, his bid to blend in remains fraught with unexpected hurdles. Including his wife.
Sadie finds his obsession baffling. She doesn’t want to forget who they are or where they came from. She’d rather bake cakes to remember the people they left behind than worry about how to play tennis.
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LibraryThing member Kiwimrsmac
I read this a couple of years ago. What a story about the desire to fit in. I imagine there are many immigrants around the world right now, asylum seekers too, who are following their own versions of Mr. Rosenblum's list. Reading it makes you realise how hard we make it for others, and yes, I do
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mean even today, not just when this book was set. Nothing has changed. Beautifully written, but at times painful to read, when you see the struggles they have to try to fit in. This book is on my list of my Top 10 reads ever. Show Less
LibraryThing member raizel
Mr. Rosenblum manages to leave Germany with his wife and daughter in the 1930s and wants very much to be as English as possible. The story comes near the horror of the Holocaust, but moves in another direction thanks to some magical, mythical people and events to a charming, happy ending. And Mr.
Legendary Dorset woolly-pigs figure in the story:
"They were said to be plentiful during ancient times and could Brant the pure-hearted their true wish. But then the knights hunted them for sport and the woolly-pis grew angry and refused to grant any more wishes, pure of heart or not. They hid in the depths of the oldest forests and bored any who tried to find them. As the trees were hacked down and the woodlands became smaller and smaller, they died of sorrow. A few are said to still wander the forests bleating their sadness." [pp. 137-138]
And this recipe reminds me of the story of an older relative unsuccessfully showing my mother how to make knishes (their handfuls of flour were different sizes):
Sadie read out the recipe, "Whip together a batter made of eggs, the right amount of sugar, sufficient flour and the perfect quantity of vanilla." [p. 102]
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Rosenblum becomes more English than some native born peers.Legendary Dorset woolly-pigs figure in the story:
"They were said to be plentiful during ancient times and could Brant the pure-hearted their true wish. But then the knights hunted them for sport and the woolly-pis grew angry and refused to grant any more wishes, pure of heart or not. They hid in the depths of the oldest forests and bored any who tried to find them. As the trees were hacked down and the woodlands became smaller and smaller, they died of sorrow. A few are said to still wander the forests bleating their sadness." [pp. 137-138]
And this recipe reminds me of the story of an older relative unsuccessfully showing my mother how to make knishes (their handfuls of flour were different sizes):
Sadie read out the recipe, "Whip together a batter made of eggs, the right amount of sugar, sufficient flour and the perfect quantity of vanilla." [p. 102]
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LibraryThing member Zankhana
The story starts off a bit slow bouncing back and forth to the present and past. The story revolves around the main character's (Jack Rosenblum) efforts, determination and the strong will-to-survive in England around the time of the Holocaust. He religiously follows the guide/pamphlet given to him
How their life takes many twists and turns getting them a lot of uncanny stares in the new country and a few good friends who help the couple survive is explained beautifully. The many dilemmas that he faces while on the way to building a golf course all by himself really can tense you up.
In a nutshell, this book is a must read, not just to get motivated to follow your dreams, but also to learn how, when life throws us into many difficult situations, we need to rise back up and figure out a new way to reach the goals; of course, without any ego in the way.
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while he arrives at the refugee camp. He adapts himself to adhere to the new life to become the perfect Englishman. However his wife is too sick of this obsession of his. How their life takes many twists and turns getting them a lot of uncanny stares in the new country and a few good friends who help the couple survive is explained beautifully. The many dilemmas that he faces while on the way to building a golf course all by himself really can tense you up.
In a nutshell, this book is a must read, not just to get motivated to follow your dreams, but also to learn how, when life throws us into many difficult situations, we need to rise back up and figure out a new way to reach the goals; of course, without any ego in the way.
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LibraryThing member Sensory
Jack and Sadie Rosenbloom emigrated to London, England just before the Second World War. When they arrived in their new country, Jack was given a checklist on how a proper English citizen behaves - a cheat sheet on how to blend in to his new home. Following it literally and without knowing all the
I really enjoyed Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English (called Mr. Rosenblum's List in the UK). I think Natasha Solomon did a fabulous job in relating what it's like to integrate into a new and very alien life. While I'm not Jewish, I found Jack and Sadie's experiences as Jewish immigrants easy to relate to and I recognized Jack's struggle to fit into a new country and its well-established culture very well. The author's light touch in representing the Rosenblum's struggle to blend in made the story a lot less heavy-handed than it might otherwise have been.
Food is used throughout the story to demonstrate how family and family history is cherished and memories held dear. One particular dessert, a baumtorte, is prepared by Sadie during her most challenging days and helps her cope with her feelings of sadness at the lives lost during the war. The author uses the layered cake as a rich metaphor for layers of memories.
The characters in this book are muti-faceted. Jack and Sadie are neither all good nor all bad - a bit of each quality are in both and it is what I believe gives the book depth and richness. The author knows her characters; Jack is normally an optimistic man and I couldn't help but root for him even when he did something that aggravated me. Writing from the perspective of a male character couldn't have been easy but Natasha Solomons succeeded.
I recommend this wonderful novel to anyone who enjoys reading stories about family bonds and true friendship.
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nuances that any British citizen takes for granted sometimes leaves him puzzled and bewildered, but never daunted. Mr. Rosenbloom Dreams in English is Jack and Sadie's story of how they adapted to their new lives and sometimes how they didn't.I really enjoyed Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English (called Mr. Rosenblum's List in the UK). I think Natasha Solomon did a fabulous job in relating what it's like to integrate into a new and very alien life. While I'm not Jewish, I found Jack and Sadie's experiences as Jewish immigrants easy to relate to and I recognized Jack's struggle to fit into a new country and its well-established culture very well. The author's light touch in representing the Rosenblum's struggle to blend in made the story a lot less heavy-handed than it might otherwise have been.
Food is used throughout the story to demonstrate how family and family history is cherished and memories held dear. One particular dessert, a baumtorte, is prepared by Sadie during her most challenging days and helps her cope with her feelings of sadness at the lives lost during the war. The author uses the layered cake as a rich metaphor for layers of memories.
The characters in this book are muti-faceted. Jack and Sadie are neither all good nor all bad - a bit of each quality are in both and it is what I believe gives the book depth and richness. The author knows her characters; Jack is normally an optimistic man and I couldn't help but root for him even when he did something that aggravated me. Writing from the perspective of a male character couldn't have been easy but Natasha Solomons succeeded.
I recommend this wonderful novel to anyone who enjoys reading stories about family bonds and true friendship.
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LibraryThing member lydia1879
I was really pleased with this novel.
The novel isn't too long, the chapters are quite short and it's a really manageable read. While the plot or pretence is more whimsical than believable it was still really sweet and the characters were characters that I liked as people.
This was my first Natasha
If you like really twee, gentle, humorous sorts of reads then you'll probably really enjoy this book. But despite the fact that it was very light there were some big themes in there and that helped to give the novel a little more depth.
Overall, I did really enjoy this novel and it's one that I recommend to quite a few people quite readily.
The novel isn't too long, the chapters are quite short and it's a really manageable read. While the plot or pretence is more whimsical than believable it was still really sweet and the characters were characters that I liked as people.
This was my first Natasha
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Solomons novel that I read and I did go on to read a few of her other books and really enjoyed them as well.If you like really twee, gentle, humorous sorts of reads then you'll probably really enjoy this book. But despite the fact that it was very light there were some big themes in there and that helped to give the novel a little more depth.
Overall, I did really enjoy this novel and it's one that I recommend to quite a few people quite readily.
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LibraryThing member dolly22
A beautifully written, witty and poignant tale of one man's life as he faces ongoing religious discrimination and his courage to be accepted no matter the cost. Highly recommended
LibraryThing member etxgardener
Jack Rosenblum arrived in England with his wife and baby daughter in 1937 & is given a pamphlet about "how to act like an Englishman" by the immigration authorities. He takes the advice to heart, and over the years adds more items in his attempt to thoroughly blend in with his adopted community.
His wife, Sadie, however, does not share her s enthusiasm, either for assimilating or for the good of club. What occupies her thoughts is what she lost in the war: her home, her country and her parents and beloved brother.
But something happens in Dorset. The country & its people seem to pixilate both Jack & Sadie. As Jack pursues his golf course dream, Sadie gardens, raises chickens and bakes from her mother's recipe book as an act of remembrance. And slowly and magically, the land and its people embrace Jack and his wife and make all their dreams come true.
This is a magical novel about love, loss and finally fitting in without giving up who you are.
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But being accepted as an Englishman Is much more difficult for a German Jewish refugee than Jack would like to admit. He becomes a successful businessman, wears bespoke suits and drives a Jaguar, but the ultimately mate goal of joining a great of club eluded him. After being turned down multiple times by multiple clubs, Jack decides he will build houses s own club in Dorset.His wife, Sadie, however, does not share her s enthusiasm, either for assimilating or for the good of club. What occupies her thoughts is what she lost in the war: her home, her country and her parents and beloved brother.
But something happens in Dorset. The country & its people seem to pixilate both Jack & Sadie. As Jack pursues his golf course dream, Sadie gardens, raises chickens and bakes from her mother's recipe book as an act of remembrance. And slowly and magically, the land and its people embrace Jack and his wife and make all their dreams come true.
This is a magical novel about love, loss and finally fitting in without giving up who you are.
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LibraryThing member juniperSun
Heard as an audiobook. Quite boring, I began playing it at a more rapid speed just to get thru it, but abandoned it as soon as I had a replacement audio to listen to.
I really could care less about Jack, who is not given any depth. And his wife (and even more so, his daughter) only enter the story
I can see the possibilities for self-discovery as Jack realizes his prior goals are no longer important to him, but don't know if this ever happens.
I really could care less about Jack, who is not given any depth. And his wife (and even more so, his daughter) only enter the story
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when some contrast or point must be made. His ability to develop a factory from the few pounds he had on immigration, and then his abdication of it some years later (there is a large time gap in the story) for a rural "estate" while still living off the profits, is an unrealistic proposition.I can see the possibilities for self-discovery as Jack realizes his prior goals are no longer important to him, but don't know if this ever happens.
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Awards
British Book Award (Shortlist — New Writer — 2010)
Waverton Good Read Award (Longlist — 2010)
The A.V. Club best books (2010)
Pages
368
ISBN
0316077585 / 9780316077583