The Yiddish Policemen’s Union

by: Michael Chabon

Published by: Harper Collins

Reviewed by Rachael Dimond

Imagine if FDR’s idea of making Alaska, and not Israel, the homeland of the Jews, had happened. In Michael Chabon’s new book, this alternate history has happened. For sixty years the Jews have lived in Sitka, Alaska and the rest of the world has seemed to has forgotten about them. News has come of a Reversion occuring. All the Jews will be kicked out of their home and safe haven in Alaska if they don’t have official papers to make them a resident. First Israel, now Alaska–where will all these Jews go?

While everyone is worried, and thus drinking their worries away, a murder has been committed. Homicide Detective Meyer Landsmen is called to the scene of a murder in the hotel where he lives. The victim looks like a typical druggie, but Landsmen isn’t fooled by the looks of the scene. He knows there’s something more sinister going on here, so he starts interviewing people and asking around about this unknown man. When Landsmen finds out the identity of the druggie, the investigation takes a whole different turn. This wasn’t just a drug addict gone wrong; this was someone important, especially important to the Jews. Did someone kill this man to hurt the Jews, or is this an elaborate cover up of something political? Who is this man and why would someone want him dead?

The Yiddish Policemen’s Union is like an old detective novel with an alternate history, but with a Yiddish flavor to it. The Yiddish words are all used in context in this book, so it isn’t that hard to understand their meanings. I would categorize this book as 80% mystery and 20% history. The Alaska imagery is minimum, which leaves the reader without a true feel for this unique place.

Chabon’s writing is beautifully poetic and always intelligently written. I had high hopes for The Yiddish Policemen’s Union –but for me, it did not surpass The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Nevertheless, it is an interesting book, but the mystery aspect overwhelms the history, which takes a back seat.

Armchair Interviews says: Popular writer produces another exciting book.