The Believers is the third book by Zoe Heller.
Her previous book What Was She Thinking? Notes On A Scandal was a huge hit, as was the film based on it Notes On A Scandal starring Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench. The used copy I found had an odd bookmark from a Random House publicity launch, and not only was it in unread condition, it was signed by the author.
Yes. For a book lover, this is a treat. Whether I liked the book or not, it instantly took on a different energy. The author held this in her hand and now it is in mine.
Joel Litvinoff meets Audrey in England in the 60's. He is working with the Labour Party, briefing them on the American civil rights movement. After a strange first date, she goes back to New York with him as his wife. 2002 finds them living in Greenwich Village. Joel, now 72, is a famous lawyer and they have raised their three children with strong socialist views. Rosa, who works with inner city children's programs, Karla, who is unhappily married and fighting food issues, and the youngest, Lenny, a dropout musician with addiction problems. While Joel is in court with a case, he falls over from a stroke and ends up on life support. The family gathers including a woman who claims she was his mistress and Joel is the father of her young son. The days turn into weeks and months with Joel unresponsive and it's up to Audrey to hold the family together. Actually, she just lets them do whatever they want, adding her caustic viewpoints in hopes they will turn her way. She's not above telling her kids to shut up or fuck off, so direct is her approach, so firm is her position. Their socialist views blanket their children, and as a result, the children discover their own path in different ways. Rosa explores the families history with Judaism and begins to convert into an Orthodox church. Karla begins a sweet affair with an Arab, and Lenny moves from addict to self-reliance, sort of.
Although not my interest, I found the rules and ways of Orthodox Judaism eye-opening - like looking behind the curtain into a world I know nothing about. And if you think Rosa is having a hard time with such observances as not turning light switches on or off on Friday (constitutes work) and the women's ritual mikvah bathing, you should hear Audrey rant on about her daughter becoming too Jewy (her words). Audrey is not a likeable person. Actually, they are all not very likeable. For me the heart of the story was Karla and her affair with Kahled. They are side characters, but for me had the most hope for success. I've read Zoe criticized for writing unlikeable characters, but they are true and you aren't going to like everyone you meet. I don't like Audrey, but I know her.
Zoe Heller is a fantastic writer with consistently amusing and brilliant turns of phrase. I found myself rereading pages just to enjoy them over again. The subject might not knock my socks off, but she is one of the top writers today and I wouldn't hesitate to read more of her work.
Published to almost unanimous praise, this was a very well written portrait of an American family. All in different directions, yet coming together (somewhat) over the crisis. As time passes and Joel remains unrecovered, time moves on and life continues on, in whatever direction that may be. Well written and recommended.
2008 / Hardcover / 335 pages
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