Ruben Sachs by Amy Levy

[robot_mel]

Ruben Sachs is a very good short late Victorian novel. The author, Amy Levy, was a young Jewish woman who committed suicide in her late 20s. The book looks at the lives of a group of young middle class Jewish people living in London and the constraints of Jewish society. In many ways it reminded me a lot of early 20th century Chinese literature that was also calling into question traditional views and behaviour. The book was criticised at the time for being anti-Semitic because the author's views were so critical, however I don't think its right to judge her that way as she was trying to explain how she saw things, the corruption and the materialism of those around her and the very limited role available for young women. It could almost be the 19th century culture critique comparable to Woody Allen. The author was clearly challenging the existing stereotypes found in England, in particular those of George Elliot. The style was very good. I got a real feel for the characters and the dilemma's they were facing, in places it was stunningly dramatic and tragic, particularly the scene at the dance. I wish the author had written more, I'm not sure I'll be able to track down her other novel, about four women struggling to make a living working in a shop but I'd really like to. Very many thanks to oursin for sending me her spare copy.