Emma Forrest wrote a seminal Jewish novel—and was quietly ghosted for it

The latest novel by British author Emma Forrest, Father Figure, is arguably the greatest work of Jewish literature in decades—at least, that's according to The CJN's opinion editor, Phoebe Maltz Bovy, who gave a glowing review to the new release on Sept. 29.

But across the pond, the book has received a muted reaction. It hasn't been spotlit in any British book fairs; it's been largely ignored by domestic literary awards; professional friends who've helped promote, and even written forwards for, her past works have largely ignored this one.

What makes this latest book different? It is unmistakably, idiosyncratically Jewish. Combine that with the growing antisemitism that's erupted in the United Kingdom since Oct. 7—which culminated in a lethal terror attack in Manchester on Yom Kippur—and it's hard for Forrest not to think her apolitical work of fiction has suffered from her personal cultural identity and a broader political climate.

Forrest joins Maltz Bovy on the latest episode of The Jewish Angle to discuss her novel, along with its deep inception and quiet reception. Forrest describes the real-life inspirations behind her boarding school setting, including her own encounters with Harvey Weinstein how they influenced her characters, before discussing the recent tragedy in Manchester and how her country's small Jewish community is reacting.

Credits

• Host: Phoebe Maltz Bovy
• Producer and editor: Michael Fraiman
• Music: "Gypsy Waltz" by Frank Freeman, licensed from the Independent Music Licensing Collective

Support our show

• Subscribe to The CJN newsletter
• Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt)
• Subscribe to The Jewish Angle