Linked stories about an American Jewish family. ( )

From July 11, 2002:

When I first started to read this book I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or even finish it. I had already read Ms Goodman's novels, KAATERSKILL FALLS and PARADISE PARK, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I just wasn't sure if this would be more of the same ... the same characters...the same issues. ...But I stuck with it because I enjoy her writing so much and I was pleasantly surprised!
THE FAMILY MARKOWITZ is a compilation of short stories describing different members of this complex family. From Rose, the family matriarch, to her sons, Henry and Ed, her daughters-in-law and her grandchildren, these stories span a period of about 15 years and delve into issues that face many families - religion, intermarriage, drug addiction, sibling rivalry, aging parents, etc. I didn't love all the characters but I don't think you were supposed to - they are "real" people, created so well by an author whose true talent lies in her masterful characteriztion as well as with her literary ability.

I'd like to pick up a copy of her first collection of stories, TOTAL IMMERSION, next! ( )

Goodman has a similar talent to Elizabeth Strout's--you can hear her characters speaking out loud in your head as you read. I absolutely loved her Kaaterskill Falls, but I'm glad I read that one first, because I might not have moved on to it if The Family Markowitz had been my introduction to Goodman. Even though Markowitz is well-written, with brilliantly realized characters based on the same sharp observations that worked so well in Kaaterskill Falls, I did not enjoy this one nearly as much. There is not one character in it that I would like to meet; most of them have no idea how to get along with one another and they are all looking to pick a fight at any given moment, even during preparations for daughter/grand-daughter/niece Miriam Markowitz's wedding. There's just so much passive agressive behavior and outright hostility I can handle, even in a fictional setting. The book left me feeling as irritated with the Markowitz family as they seem to be with each other...that itself, of course, is a mark of the author's talent. But it's a relief to be through with them and to realize I don't have to invite any of them to my daughter's wedding, should such an event come to pass. ( )

I love funny books about Jews! And this is one! Her other books, not so much. But this one, great. ( )

Hmmm...why didn't this one work for me? The focus is off and the characterizations lack depth; the story shifts around too much.

But what amazing promise Goodman showed. And what joy for the reader that she worked hard and got better! ( )