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

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Canadian patriotism has surged since U.S. President Donald Trump took office and waged a trade war with his country's northern neighbour. But while this flavour of patriotism has largely manifested in opposition to the United States ("Elbows up," etc.), one Jewish social psychologist, neuroscientist and writer wonders if Canadians could change that perspective. What if, instead of defining itself as "not America", Canadian patriotism celebrated its culture and achievements on their own merits?

That's the thesis from Montreal-born Michael Inzlicht, who now teaches in the psychology department at the University of Toronto. Earlier this year, he wrote a post on his Substack, "How Quebec Taught Me to Love Canada", outlining how Canadian pride has, in a few short months, seemingly caught up to what Quebec has been doing for decades.

To discuss this shift—especially from a Jewish perspective—Inzlicht joins his neighbour in Toronto's Roncesvalles Village, Phoebe Maltz Bovy, for a discussion about the shift in politics and perception, from their own neighbourhood to the international border.

Credits

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

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

You may have new year's resolutions. But do you have Jewish new year's resolutions? Erin Beser, a Jewish educator and rebbetzin, does one each year with her family—sometimes just for the year, sometimes forever.

First they gave up meat. Then they gave up screens. This year? Shopping—no more impulse buys, extra clothes or excessive gifts. In 5786, they're only buying what they need.

Beser drew attention to this cause by outlining her plan in a recent JTA article, in which she outlined the steps, logic and limits of paring down her family purchases. ("I’m not canceling Hanukkah," she writes, "because I am not a monster.") She hopes to guide her family toward community connection, self-reflection and appreciation for what one has, while learning about the role of Jewish women in the evolution of 20th-century capitalism. She joins Phoebe Maltz Bovy on The Jewish Angle to explain more.

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