[IJ8]∎ [PDF] Free The Prince of West End Avenue Alan Isler 9780099701514 Books

The Prince of West End Avenue Alan Isler 9780099701514 Books

Download As PDF : The Prince of West End Avenue Alan Isler 9780099701514 Books

The Prince of West End Avenue Alan Isler 9780099701514 Books

Why don't I know how it's narrated? Because I read it years ago -- loved the premise and have just received what is now my 2nd copy - (first copy in storage). You don''t have to live in Manhattan to find this story charming, moving, joyous, poignant, West End Avenue has many buildings for communal housing and asssted living. Could it be set anywhere? Judge for yourself if some part of the premise attracts you. I'd like to think anyone who is or knows someone in older age who is yet 'alive to the world', who still reads, or who used to, who loves Shakespeare (yes, Shakespeare), will be uplifted by this book, original in a special way: that is, joy and sorrow commingled. Set in a home for the Jewish aged, the protagonist discovers there are, among the residents, retired theater people. And, yes, he does decide to put on a play. Is this of interesrt so far? If so, do read this somewhat unknown book. If you're grieving for an arts loving loved one, or yourself -- this is ultimately a life-affirming book.


Tags : The Prince of West End Avenue [Alan Isler] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers.,Alan Isler,The Prince of West End Avenue,Vintage Uk,0099701510,Modern fiction,Fiction

The Prince of West End Avenue Alan Isler 9780099701514 Books Reviews

In this novel, the winner of the National Jewish Book Award, author Alan Isler creates a world populated by libidinous senior citizens; however, although humorous, there are moments of profound realization as well. The main character is Otto Korner, a survivor of the Holocaust, who now resides in the Emma Lazarus retirement home in the West End, Manhattan. He is involved in a production of `Hamlet', put on by the home's residents. Part of the plot revolves around the attempt to put on a play where the actors keep dying, end up in hospital, or simply walk away in a huff. At the same time, Korner encounters a new young physical therapist who reminds him of a woman whom he knew in the inter-war years and who most likely died in WWII, and whose death he may have been responsible for. The past and present merge as Otto takes over directing `Hamlet'; the philosophical musings on death and life mirror Otto's reminiscences. We find he attempted to be a part of the avant-garde movement in Europe after WWI, where he encountered Magda Damrosch, a beautiful woman who toyed with Otto's heart. This is one of those novels where not much happens, yet everything happens, and to say more would spoil it. Suffice to say, Isler's characters are brilliant, and the weaving of `Hamlet' with the Holocaust is mesmerizing. There's enough humor to break the sometimes bleak outlook of some of the characters, and the scenes where the play is being rehearsed are priceless.
The residents of the Emma Lazarus retirement home in uptown Manhattan are putting on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. But when the director drops out (because he’s dropped dead) the production falls into disarray. Otto Korner, our narrator, should be a shoo-in to take over the reins but some of the players have other ideas. Korner’s not unduly fussed; his mind is on other things - identifying the thief of his priceless letter from Rilke, for one thing, and the distracting new physiotherapist for another. (She reminds him of his first love, Magda Damrosch - indeed, she even has the same initials.)

Alan Isler presents us with a gallery of aging gallants competing for the favours of octogenarian coquettes and the biggest parts in the play. Isler blends his contemporary story with Korner’s reminiscences about his long-ago past, glimpses of a gone-with-the-wind Europe and his pursuit of the elusive Magda. This is written with huge warmth and wit. Isler’s sentences are a joy to read and the writing fairly thrums with cultural erudition. If you enjoy New York Jewish humour and pathos, the answer to the headline question is a resounding yes.

Footnote It is with profound sadness that on re-reading this wonderful book and then googling Alan Isler, I learned that he passed away in 2010. What a loss to literature.
wonderful book - all old Jewish retires would enjoy reading it.
Literary excellence -- amusing at times, yet a deeply poignant story. Alan Isler is a writer of great erudition and obviously enormous intelligence.
Very witty & emotional writing from Alan Isler about a Jewish retirement home in New York City. I am not a Shakespeare aficionado, so there were portions of the book that weren't clear to me but it didn't take away from the otherwise enjoyable experience.
Humorous in places, thoughtful in others. Felt like I got to know some of the characters. A good read, especially for us "senior citizens."
A thoughtful, insightful look back into a Holocaust survivor's life. Bittersweet at times, it never gets maudlin or mired in self-pity. There is humor, parallels with Hamlet, and a humbling attitude as the protagonist mulls over his past. I was drawn into the story, and it resonated with me long after I finished the book. It was excellently written and I would definitely recommend it to my book group.
Why don't I know how it's narrated? Because I read it years ago -- loved the premise and have just received what is now my 2nd copy - (first copy in storage). You don''t have to live in Manhattan to find this story charming, moving, joyous, poignant, West End Avenue has many buildings for communal housing and asssted living. Could it be set anywhere? Judge for yourself if some part of the premise attracts you. I'd like to think anyone who is or knows someone in older age who is yet 'alive to the world', who still reads, or who used to, who loves Shakespeare (yes, Shakespeare), will be uplifted by this book, original in a special way that is, joy and sorrow commingled. Set in a home for the Jewish aged, the protagonist discovers there are, among the residents, retired theater people. And, yes, he does decide to put on a play. Is this of interesrt so far? If so, do read this somewhat unknown book. If you're grieving for an arts loving loved one, or yourself -- this is ultimately a life-affirming book.