A Replacement Life
A Replacement Life
Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 2000s
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set in Brooklyn, New York, Boris Fishman’s novel A Replacement Life (2014) follows Slava Gelman, a journalist who forges Holocaust restitution claims for elderly Russian Jews, leading him to explore his family's past and grapple with the moral complexities of his actions. The book includes sensitive topics such as the Holocaust and the suffering of Jewish people during World War II.
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,787 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A rich debut, A Replacement Life by Boris Fishman explores themes of identity, guilt, and deception through a compelling narrative. Praise focuses on its poignant humor and vivid character development. Some critics note a slow pace and occasional predictability. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that deftly balances comedy and tragedy.
Who Should Read A Replacement Life?
A reader who would enjoy A Replacement Life by Boris Fishman is likely to appreciate compelling explorations of identity, family, and cultural heritage. They may have enjoyed works like Jonathan Safran Foer's Everything Is Illuminated or Nicole Krauss's The History of Love, which blend historical context with deeply personal narratives.
1,787 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A Replacement Life is the debut novel of Boris Fishman, a Belarus-born author, whose work explores themes of immigration and identity, drawing inspiration from his own life experiences.
The novel's protagonist is a young writer living in New York City, much like Fishman himself, who moved to the United States from the Soviet Union in 1988.
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The book was listed as one of the New York Times notable books of 2014, highlighting its critical acclaim and wide recognition in literary circles.
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352
Novel • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 2000s
2014
Adult
18+ years
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