Ludwig Lewisohn (1882–1955)

Composed for Hillel by a leading light, now little known, in American letters, Lewisohn’s pamphlet aims to stir the soul of its readers to an appreciation of the Jewish heritage. And stirring it is. Lewisohn compresses into a few dozen pages a vision of being Jewish that feels both deeply rooted and defiantly countercultural. It is a vision founded in humanism, Zionism, and the libertarian spirit. Not everyone will share Lewisohn’s outlook, but no one who has honestly read this book can show more help being moved by it. show less

The Island Within is a visceral psychic probing of the modern Jewish dilemma. Lewisohn ought to be regarded as the Jewish Fanon. That he has been mostly forgotten speaks to the spiritual failure of American Jewry.

This is the story, told in turns by several characters, of a family living before the start of WWII. The daughter has married and divorced twice--scandalous for the times. The father has worked hard at a general store all his life, rising from clerk to owner. There is a young man who has always been in love with the daughter but whose feelings have gone unrequited.

I wasn't super hyped to read this--I bought it because from its lovely painted cover it looked like the type of pulp novel I show more love. It is actually more of a literary novel than that. I very much enjoy the story of a free-thinking and -feeling young woman in the 1930s. Much of the emotion and philosophy still resonates today.

The author did a good job capturing the various character's voices. I do think the chapters tend to run on a bit and at times the characters seem to ramble but overall I was very enthralled with their thoughts and emotions.

A very interesting read. show less

A younger man falls in love with an older woman who draws him into protecting her and then clings to him like a limpet when the relationship is over. Reading this book is a very depressing experience which provokes a strong emotional reaction.