Customer Reviews

The Jewish Writer

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Once more Jill Krementz does not disappoint! Like her book THE WRITERS DESK, THE JEWISH WRITER is a wonderful collection of Krementz's mesmerizing photographs each a story unto itself. A volume to return to again and again to delight in the images of E.L. Doctrow, Norman Mailer, Allen Ginsberg, Grace Paley, et al! A treasure trove for lovers of literature ...a wonderful reference in addition to a visual delight! If you are like me and passionate about books and reading this is a must-have addition to your library.

I do not know the answer to the question of whether knowing the way a writer looks helps us better read or understand their work. I do know these photographs of American - Jewish writers including Singer, Bellow, Wouk, and many others are a gift to their readers. We all have curiosity about those who write the books we love to read, and these very clear insightful photographs ( with accompanying text which says something about the writer's life and relation to Jewishness) provide real pleasure .

Krementz beautifully captures the spirit of all her subjects. My faves, Ricky Jay and David Mamet. These portraits are wonderful in that they are not "studio," but the writers in their own element. Natural light is preferred to flash, and one gets a good sense of the variants of Jewishness inherent in the writers. Also importantly, Krementz does not include or exclude based on politics: Liberals and conservatives alike are in this book. Refreshing, in this PC age.