The Gates of November
by Chaim Potok, Leonid Slepak, Vladimir Slepak, Alexander Slepak, Maria Slepak

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Book Reviews of The Gates of November

Book Review: "A tedious season they await, who hear November at the gate"
Summary: 3 Stars

The book is divided in two sections. The first one describes the life of Solomon Slepak, a Jewish renegade who emigrates to the U.S.A., discovers Marxism, returns to the Soviet Union, becomes an ardent, ruthless Bolshevik and rises to prominence within the Communist Party. The second part narrates the life of Volodya (Solomon's son). As a product of a different historical context and perspective, Volodya rejects socialism, revives his Jewish identity (mainly as a result of the prevailing anti-Semitism), attempts to emigrate to Israel and becomes an international famous "refusenik" (Jewish activist who was denied exit visa from the Soviet Union to Israel).

The author developes the family account based on taped interviews with Volodya, his wife, two sons, and other family members and friends. Because of lack of first hand accounts from Solomon, the narrative for the first part of the book lacks interest and factual proves. For example, it is beyond understanding how Solomom Slepak was able to survive through the purges against the Jews, especially considering that he ran high in the communist organization.

In this amalgamation of a non-fiction narrative and a family drama, the literary strenght of "The Gates of November" was negatively affected. Had the author used a first person narrative, in a traditional historical novel, the book would certainly have a deeper emotional impact. None of this, however, obliterates its historical value.

Jewish Books

• Books > Subjects > Biographies & Memoirs > Ethnic & National
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• History > World
• Literature & Fiction > Literary