Zieglitz’s Blessing by Michael Goldberg is a moving and thought-provoking novel that takes readers on a journey through the lives of three generations of a Jewish family living in New York City. Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War, the book portrays the struggles and triumphs of a family as they try to navigate their way through an ever-changing world.
One of the biggest strengths of Zieglitz’s Blessing is its characters. The novel is told from the perspective of the family’s young son, Ben, and his voice is authentic and engaging. Ben’s experiences are relatable and his observations of the world around him feel both profound and innocent. The other members of the family are also well-crafted, with each character bringing their own unique perspective and personality to the story.
Another strength of the book is its historical context. Goldberg does an excellent job of placing the story within the larger context of American history, and the events of the time are woven seamlessly into the narrative. The Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War, and even the music of the era all play a role in the story, providing a rich and engaging backdrop to the family’s struggles.
The book’s writing style is also a major strength. Goldberg’s prose is lyrical, and he uses language in a way that is both beautiful and evocative. His descriptions of New York City are particularly noteworthy, as he brings the city to life in a way that is both vivid and authentic.
However, there are a few weaknesses to the book. Some readers may find the pacing to be a bit slow, as the book is more character-driven than plot-driven. Additionally, the book deals with some heavy themes, including racism and war, that some readers may find difficult to read about.
Overall, Zieglitz’s Blessing is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will appeal to readers looking for a captivating family drama. The characters are well-developed, the historical context is expertly woven into the narrative, and the writing style is both beautiful and engaging. While there are some minor weaknesses to the book, they do not detract from its overall quality, and readers looking for a powerful and thought-provoking read are sure to enjoy Zieglitz’s Blessing.
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Michael Goldberg is a nationally-acclaimed writer and speaker. He has held two university chairs in religious studies, worked with an international strategic management consulting firm, served as a professional ethicist with the Georgia Supreme Court as well as with various hospital ethics committees, additionally providing support to gravely ill patients and their loved ones as an ICU and hospice chaplain.
An ordained rabbi, Goldberg is the author of several books, one of which, “Jews and Christians, Getting Our Stories Straight,” was the subject of a feature article in The New York Times, and another of which,
“Why Should Jews Survive?,” attracted front-page attention from The Washington Post’s Sunday Book Review section. Goldberg has also been much in demand as a speaker on medical, legal, and business ethics, having been invited to such institutions as Wake Forest, Harvard, and Notre Dame as well as to Yale, Duke, and Northwestern. Along the way, he has also addressed lay audiences in settings that have included, among others, the Hadassah Pacific Coast Convention and the Detroit Jewish Book Fair, North America’s largest.
Goldberg completed his undergraduate studies in philosophy at Yale, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. Following his ordination, he received his Ph.D. in systematic theology and philosophy of religion from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.
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