Book Reviews – Mr Rosenblum’s List by Natasha Solomons

Mr Rosenblum’s List – by Natasha Solomons  Reviewed by Steve Reilly and Ann Nearchou Sockhill

Steve Reilly’s review

WARNING SPOILERS

What a delightful little story. We did this book in September 2011. But I really enjoyed this second read even though I knew what was going to happen; I savoured the story telling. With Sadie’s death the story took an unexpectedly dark turn, however it was a passing in the natural order. The fabric of the story, as I perceived it at that point, was violated. But Jack did get his wife back before she died, and what a joy it was to see her come totally on side. I thought the texture of the immediate post-war times was wonderfully rendered, like the difference between the food available in London and the country, a condition I assume to be true.

I was initially disappointed that the story did not end with the golf course in triumphant splendour, a flourishing concern, but upon reflection I realised that “Mr Rosenbloom’s List” is a morality tale. In the end Jack achieved the acceptance he craved not by gaining a position in society, a label, like having the word Englishman tattooed on his forehead, not by having others see him in a certain way, but by what he did, by being the sort of person he was. In fact his wife achieved this acceptance by what she did – the cakes and so forth – before Jack. So, in the end the golf course as such was not important, what was important were Jack’s actions and his relationship with others – his love and devotion to his friends and their friendship – friendship, loyalty, and devotion he earned. A lesson for us all probably. I pulled back one point from a nine because of a couple of niggly little things: some unnecessary bouncing around with POV and a minor author intrusion.

Mr Rosenblum’s List – by Natasha Solomons

Ann Nearchou Sockhill’s Review

This story was not hilarious (as stated on the cover) – please tell me if I’ve missed something!

It was told in a light manner which softened the reality of the situation.

There was a sadness for Mr Rosenblum’s need to belong with constant rejection experienced and for Sadie’s yearning for her old life when she felt she belonged.

This is the plight of many refugees and migrants all over the world. The plight of many outliers. In history, today and likely in the future.

For many couples, the relationship between Jack and Sadie is relatable, in varying degrees. In this case, moving in different directions to achieve their respective sense of belonging. One moving forward; the other the need to stay in the past.

As the story unfolded it became more heartening, when one interesting character Curtis?? saw something in Jack, that no-one else saw. Maybe he simply saw a fellow human being on the outer looking for acceptance and had the humanity to reach out. And the ball started to roll.

It was a matter of one step forward and two steps back for Jack, but thankfully good overrode evil in the end. And more heartening was his relationship with Sadie became stronger again.

I did enjoy this book, and I can envisage it as a light-hearted, “feel good” movie.

Rating:  7

Mr Rosenblum’s List – by Natasha Solomons

June Young’s Review

Mr Rosenblum’s List provides a feel-good story with an uplifting ending.  The first of two themes is the story of every new migrant – how to fit into the new community and gain acceptance.  Jack, Mr Rosenblum, is of German Jewish background and worked to a formula.

The relationship between Jack and his wife Sadie was the second theme.  Some of the best lines in the book came from the trying relationship.  For example, Sadie in exasperation: “My mother warned me that your family was crazy. But I was young and foolish and taken in by your red bicycle and thick black hair”.  The relationship rekindled as they faced the trials and tribulations of huge undertakings ending with Sadie really supporting Jack and his  dreams.

An easy read and very enjoyable book.

Score: 9/10