JOSHUA THEN AND NOW

Rating:
Summary: Comic, Crude, and Didactic
Review: Mordecai Richler definitely came out of hiding with the release of Joshua Then and Now, a literary marvel that made me roll in my chair with uncontrollable laughter. This novel has many features worthy of praise. First, Joshua's character can go both ways in terms of admiration: some readers admire this crude character while othere despise the man who is a mere image of Richler. Second, continual flashbacks to different periods and settings make Joshua Then and Now a page-turner. The novel also had its lows. It was evident that Richler took a shortcut in producing this novel as Joshua Shapiro's character was a reflection of his own. Also, the novel could have done without scenes dealing with the William Lyon Mackenzie King Memorial Society as this did little to advance the novel. All in all, Joshua Then and Now was a success, preaching audiences about the importance of moral and sound family values. Mr. Richler, your comic energy and satires will be missed forever.

Rating:
Summary: *joshua then and now* S U C K S!!!!!!!
Review: this book is a most difficult read. it is almost like a history lesson. the whole idea of going back and forth from persent to past, made it a most trying excersise to read. if you are a casual reader from age 17 and lower; do not attempt to read this. this was the hardest, most boring and most challenging book i have yet to come across. read with caution and lots of time ahead of you.

Rating:
Summary: Will please any Richler fan
Review: This book is classic Mordecai Richler:

His main character, Joshua, is a Montreal Jew who is opinionated, cynical and comes from a seedy background: and yet, is able to survive, become successful and marries into a well-off family that have their own set of closet skeletons. The story has many interesting twists and emotions vary from the serious, sad or sometimes, to the very funny. Like many of Richler's characters, there is a gutsy determination, a sense of purposeful indignation about Joshua that you can admire and identify with.

The novel is well written and easy to read and uses sporadic explicit language.This is sure to please anyone who has enjoyed other Richler books such as "Barney's Version" or "St. Urbain's Horseman". A recommended read!