"The Yiddish Policemen’s Union" by Michael Chabon

When in 1948 the fledgling state of Israel had collapsed many safe havens were created for the Jews, one of is located in the Sitka district. There, the Yiddish have gladly isolated themselves from the rest of the world (possibly having something to do with the fact that most people still want them dead), creating their own colorful and vibrant community. 

But every good thing is meant to come to an end, and soon the district is to return under the control of Alaskan authorities.

While all of this is happening in The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon, detective Meyer Landsman is reflecting on his life, the choices he made, and where he ended up. 

Naturally, Meyer is far from having the ideal life… as a matter of fact, he couldn’t be further away from it. Profession-wise, he is little more than a sad old joke everyone is tired of (that’s being generous) and his marriage is the definition itself of catastrophe; all in all, he has little left to live for.

That is until one day a murder is committed in the cheap hotel he is staying in. Regardless of his age or failures in life, Meyer simply can’t stand having a murder happen right under his nose, and takes on the case. The victim: a former chess prodigy. 
The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon (Book cover)
However, before Meyer can even get started with his investigation order comes from the suits high above him to abandon the investigation immediately. Knowing that this may be his only chance to save himself and leave a worthy heritage, Meyer embarks on a dark and twisted journey where he understands the true meaning of faith, obsession… and evil.

As you can tell from this brief description, this is quite a multi-faceted book in the sense that it provides you with a classic and enthralling whodunit murder mystery (with a not-so-classic ending), a love story, a study of the Yiddish people and their way of living, as well as a deep look into the process of secluding yourself form the world and being forced back into it again. 

All in all, this is one of those one-of-a-kind novels that could only be written by one author; there is literally something for every reader to take away from this book.

Michael Chabon (May 24, 1963)

Michael Chabon


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Without a shadow of a doubt one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century, Michael Chabon seems to have always had a knack for dishing out deep, meaningful and inspiring bestsellers, as was the case with The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.

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