Unterzakhn by Leela Corman (Schocken,
$24.95)
Taking
place in early twentieth century, Unterzakhn tells the story of Esther
and Fanya, twin sisters of immigrant parents, who soak up all their knowledge
and experience of the world from the streets of New York City. From sexuality
to religion, money to politics, Esther and Fanya move apart in their
understanding of the world, each finding their own places within it. Their
fates unfold in provocative and cunning ways, and though the story is full of
the tragedy of life, it does not succumb to melodrama, instead adapting humor
and complexity, history and religion, to tell a story as charming as it is
affecting. Corman's artwork is expressive and full of time-period
genuineness.
-
Adam Waterreus
