ARC Review: Goyhood by Reuven Fenton

Book Details:

Author: Reuven Fenton
Release Date: May 28, 2024
~~Series~~:
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Adult Fiction
Format: E-book
Pages: 288 pages
Publisher: Central Avenue
Blurb:
Reuven Fenton’s novel Goyhood is a brilliant debut about a devoutly Orthodox Jewish man who discovers in middle age that he’s not, in fact, Jewish, and embarks on a remarkable road trip to come to grips with his fate; it’s Chaim Potok’s The Chosen meets Planes,Trains and Automobiles.
When Mayer (née Marty) Belkin fled small-town Georgia for Brooklyn nearly thirty years ago, he thought he’d left his wasted youth behind. Now he’s a Talmud scholar married into one of the greatest rabbinical families in the world – a dirt-poor country boy reinvented in the image of God.
But his mother’s untimely death brings a shocking revelation: Mayer and his ne’er-do-well twin brother David aren’t, in fact, Jewish. Traumatized and spiritually bereft, Mayer’s only recourse is to convert to Judaism. But the earliest date he can get is a week from now. What are two estranged brothers to do in the interim?
So begins the Belkins’ Rumspringa through America’s Deep South with Mom’s ashes in tow, plus two tagalongs: an insightful Instagram influencer named Charlayne Valentine and Popeye, a one-eyed dog. As the crew gets tangled up in a series of increasingly surreal adventures, Mayer grapples with a God who betrayed him and an emotionally withdrawn wife in Brooklyn who has yet to learn her husband is a counterfeit Jew.

Review

Goyhood by Reuven Fenton is a tale that defies convention and embraces the unexpected. Fenton’s debut novel offers a fresh take on the journey of self-discovery, weaving together elements of humour, poignancy, and profound insight.

What struck me most about “Goyhood” was its fearless exploration of identity and belonging. Through the eyes of Mayer Belkin, a devoutly Orthodox Jewish man grappling with the revelation of his true heritage, Fenton invites readers on a journey of introspection and revelation. As Mayer embarks on a road trip through America’s Deep South with his estranged brother and an eclectic cast of companions, the novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics, faith, and the search for meaning in an uncertain world.

Yet, amidst the weighty themes, Fenton infuses the narrative with a delightful blend of humour and heart. The interactions between Mayer, his brother David, and their companions are imbued with wit and warmth, offering moments of levity amidst the existential questions that permeate the story. It’s this unique balance of laughter and introspection that makes Goyhood such a compelling read.

In conclusion, Goyhood is a remarkable debut that deftly navigates the intersections of identity, faith, and the human experience. Fenton’s storytelling is as poignant as it is entertaining, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the complexities of life and the power of self-discovery. Whether you’re drawn to stories of personal transformation or simply enjoy a well-crafted narrative, Goyhood is sure to leave a lasting impression.