The Rise of David Levinsky
by Abraham Cahan
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Book Summary Information
Author: Abraham CahanEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-03-23
ISBN: 1434603636
Number of pages: 532
Publisher: BiblioBazaar
Book Reviews of The Rise of David Levinsky
Book Review: "There are cases when success is a tragedy."
Summary: 4 Stars
That basically summarizes this book. Success, in the eyes of the world, can result in personal tragedy.
The author, Ab. Cahan, was a fervent socialist and ardent trade-unionist. He wrote this novel in English for a major American magazine, McClure's. At the same time he was the editor of the world's largest Yiddish newspaper, The Jewish Daily Forward. The collected stories were published in book form in 1917.
David Levinsky, who is orphaned when his mother is killed by anti-Semitic peasants in his hometown in Russia, makes his way to America. This book is his story, the tale of a man who by hook and crook, makes his way in the world, alone.
He learns English, he becomes an American and he also becomes a very wealthy businessman, a factory-owner and big shot. However, he cannot shake his loneliness and desire for a wife and family.
Actually, what he really needed was a good psychotherapist but, unfortunately, he was at least thirty years too early for that.
I found the book fascinating with its vivid descriptions of life among the Eastern European Jewish New York immigrant population. It reminded me of the work of Horatio Alger, the great American juvenile author who described the trip from rags to riches.
Unlike Alger's heroes, however, David Levinsky is hopelessly neurotic.
He finds the opportunity for misery in the most fruitful situations. This is a man who, while being a talented businessman, really screws up interpersonal relationships, especially with women to whom he is attracted.
If you read the book, which I do recommend, get the Penguin paperback edition as another reviewer suggests. You will be glad that you did. I got mine used since it doesn't seem to be offered new at this time.
Enjoy.
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