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The Ministry of Special Cases
414 pages, 2008
In the heart of Argentina’s Dirty War, Kaddish Poznan struggles with a son who won't accept him; strives for a woman who saves him; and spends his nights guarding the good name of a community that denies his actuality-- and denies a checkered history that only Kaddish holds dear.
The long—awaited novel from Nathan Englander, author of For the Relief of unsupportable Urges. Englander’s stupendous and important-heralded collection of stories won the 2000 Pen/ Malamud Award and was restated into a further than a dozen languages.
From its indelible opening scene in the darkness of a forgotten cemetery in Buenos Aires, The Ministry of Special Cases casts an important spell. In the heart of Argentina’s Dirty War, Kaddish Poznan struggles with a son who won't accept him; strives for a woman who saves him; and spends his nights guarding the good name of a community that denies his actuality-- and denies a checkered history that only Kaddish holds dear.
In The Ministry of Special Cases, Nathan Englander explores the theme of identity. He shows how the characters struggle with their identities during the Argentine Dirty War. It's a great reminder of how important it is to know who we are and stand firm in our beliefs, even in the face of adversity.
Englander paints a vivid picture of how political unrest can disrupt and even destroy lives. The book is set during a time of great political turmoil in Argentina, and it's a stark reminder of the human cost of such events. It encourages us to stay informed and involved in our own political landscapes.
The Ministry of Special Cases is also a story about family. Englander explores the bonds between parents and their children, and how these relationships can be tested but also strengthened in times of crisis. It's a great book to read if you want to reflect on the importance of family in your life.
Englander's book is a deep dive into the struggle for truth in a time of government deception and censorship. It's a compelling reminder of the importance of truth and transparency in our society, and the dangers of ignoring or suppressing it.
Despite the grim setting and circumstances, The Ministry of Special Cases also showcases the resilience of the human spirit. Englander's characters face unimaginable hardships, yet they continue to fight and hope for a better future. It's a powerful message that can inspire us to persevere in our own challenges.
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Englander's novel is a triumph of storytelling, a gripping tale of unspeakable horror. It is a testament to the power of narrative to make sense of the senseless.
Salman Rushdie - British Indian novelistEnglander's 'The Ministry of Special Cases' is a powerful and haunting novel, a profound and tragic tale that resonates long after the final page.
Philip Roth - American novelistEnglander's novel is a masterwork of historical fiction, a deeply moving and profoundly insightful exploration of a dark chapter in human history.
Jonathan Safran Foer - American novelistEnglander's 'The Ministry of Special Cases' is a devastating and heartbreaking novel, a powerful exploration of loss and survival.
Joyce Carol Oates - American writer