Ministry Of Special Cases

[Tabac]

In writing his first novel, The Ministry Of Special Cases, Nathan Englander researched the history of Jewish women locked into white slavery of the Buenos Aires of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the plight of the desaparcidos of the Perón years, and cosmetic surgery. His story is that of a “son of a whore” who tries to make a living by effacing tombstones “on the wrong side of the wall” in the Jewish cemetery, paid for by those who want their family names disassociated with the shame attached. He then must contend with the disappearance of his son and try to satisfy the needs of his wife, his God and himself. A review of the book mentioned that it is sometimes only mediocre writing, but at other times, excellent. It was recommended to me by a man I used to teach with; he told me that it was a selection of his wife’s book club - I imagine the discussions were interesting!

Has anyone else read this novel? I particularly enjoy reading "first novels" (especially historical fiction), so if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

[PeterL]

I have never read it, but
who tries to make a living by effacing tombstones is great. I'll have to read it. I wonder if there's much money in effacing tombstones. Maybe they fetch more in the used tombstone market.

[Tabac]

I have never read it, but is great. I'll have to read it. I wonder if there's much money in effacing tombstones. Maybe they fetch more in the used tombstone market.You'll have to read the book.