Leslie Epstein Boeken

Leib Goldkorn, an aging musician, navigates love and longing as he confronts mortality and the looming threat to Jewish existence. His escapades include rescuing skater Sonja Henie from Hitler, romancing Carmen Miranda, and engaging in South Sea intrigue. In contemporary times, he seeks fulfillment with his wife Clara, model Miss Crystal Knight, and critic Michiko Kakutani, sparking a literary scandal. This novel blends humor and heartbreak, solidifying Leib as a memorable figure in American literature, recognized as a New York Times Notable Book.

Celebrated as one of the top Hollywood novels, this story delves into the glitz and glamour of the film industry, exploring the lives of its characters against a backdrop of ambition, betrayal, and the pursuit of fame. The narrative captures the essence of Hollywood's allure while revealing the darker sides of celebrity culture. Rich in detail and insight, it offers a compelling look at the personal and professional struggles faced by those trying to make their mark in a world defined by both dreams and harsh realities.

Set against the backdrop of 1950s Los Angeles and transitioning to 2000, the narrative follows Richard Jacobi, a successful painter reflecting on his family's legacy, particularly the impact of his father's death on their lives. Through five narratives, Richard explores his self-awareness and the dynamics within the Jacobi family, while also addressing broader themes of Jewish and African-American experiences in post-World War II America. The novel vividly captures the essence of Southern California before its transformation due to mass migration.

After a trip home to Moravia reveals that his father is not a businessman but actually a great composer, unsuccessful musician Leib Goldkorn returns to New York to launch a production of his father's opera "Rubezahl" to disastrous results.

Isaiah Chaim Trumpelman, leader of the Judenrat, a council selecting quotas for Nazi transport trains, may or may not have saved lives from his position