The Elected Member

Name: The Elected Member
Brand: Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand
SKU: 9780349144344
Price: 27.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

By Bernice Rubens

0.0 (0 reviews)

Summary

Norman, a brilliant barrister and infant prodigy from a close-knit Jewish family in London's East End, faces a devastating downfall at forty-one when he becomes a drug addict, consumed by hallucinations and paranoia. His commitment to a mental hospital shatters family bonds, especially affecting his father, Rabbi Zweck, who is haunted by guilt. Only Norman's sister, Bella, bridges the painful divide, offering a fragile hope for reconciliation and peace.
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Format: Paperback / softback

$27⁹⁹

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The Elected Member

$27⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers of literary fiction who appreciate deep psychological insight, family dynamics, and compassionate storytelling with moments of humour and pathos.

To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of The Elected Member winning the Booker Prize, Abacus is reissuing Bernice Rubens's classic novel with a bold new cover.

Description

The Elected Member portrays Norman as the clever one of a close-knit Jewish family in the East End of London. An infant prodigy and brilliant barrister, he is the apple of his parents' eyes until, at forty-one, he becomes a drug addict. Confined to his bedroom, he is at the mercy of his hallucinations and paranoia.

For Norman, his committal to a mental hospital represents the ultimate act of betrayal. For Rabbi Zweck, Norman's father, his son's deterioration serves as a bitter reminder of his own guilt and failure. Only Bella, the unmarried sister, still in her childhood white ankle socks, can reach across the abyss of pain to bring father and son the elusive peace they both desperately crave.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

New Statesman praises Bernice Rubens's compassion and intelligence, calling her work compulsively readable. The Daily Telegraph highlights the novel's blend of sanity, compassion, and grotesque humour. According to the Jewish Chronicle, the writing sparkles with vivid brilliance. The Darts review notes the seamless shifts between intense emotion, humour, and pathos, urging readers to experience the profound portrayal of madness and its ripple effects.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349144344

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 September 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Abacus

Contributors:

Introduction by Paul Bailey

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 189g

Pages: 240

Collections

Bernice Rubens Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction

About the Author

Bernice Rubens was born is Wales and worked as both a writer and a film maker. She is the winner of the Booker Prize for The Elected Member, and was shortlisted for the same prize for a subsequent novel: A Five Year Sentence. She died in 2004.

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