http://www.jewishbookweek.com en-us Jewish Book Week Jewish Book Week 2009 Jewish Book Council Discover the full stellar line up of speakers from Amos Oz to AB Yehoshua with many more in between. We have invited some of Britain's most outstanding intellectuals: Baroness Greenfield, Professor Lisa Jardine, historians Simon Schama and Simon Sebag Montefiore, philosopher Alain de Botton, novelist and screen writer Frederic Raphael and the wonderfully eclectic Jonathan Miller. Discover the full stellar line up of speakers from Amos Oz to AB Yehoshua with many more in between. We have invited some of Britain's most outstanding intellectuals: Baroness Greenfield, Professor Lisa Jardine, historians Simon Schama and Simon Sebag Montefiore, philosopher Alain de Botton, novelist and screen writer Frederic Raphael and the wonderfully eclectic Jonathan Miller. Jewish Book Week geraldine.d'amico@jewishbookweek.com http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/210209.php Jewish Book Council Amos Oz in conversation with Jonathan Freedland Amos Oz has often said he writes with two pens: one for his novels, the other to expose injustices and promote peace. Jonathan Freedland talks here to the peace activist, the man who believes it is a writer's duty to confront iniquities no matter how uncomfortable they prove to be. Amos Oz has often said he writes with two pens: one for his novels, the other to expose injustices and promote peace. Jonathan Freedland talks here to the peace activist, the man who believes it is a writer's duty to confront iniquities no matter how uncomfortable they prove to be. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/Amos%20Oz.mp3 Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:30:00 GMT 79:57 Amos Oz, Jonathan Freedland, Zionism http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/220209b.php Jewish Book Council Adolf Burger Winner of the 2008 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language film, The Counterfeiters retraces the true story of Adolf Burger, recounted in his memoir The Devil's Workshop. A typographer by trade, he became one of a group of deportees forced to produce impeccable imitation bank notes in Sachsenhausen concentration camp with the intention of flooding the economies of both the U.K and the U.S. To succeed, would have enabled the Nazis to win the war, to fail, meant certain death. Was his ultimate act of sabotage brave or foolhardy? Winner of the 2008 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language film, The Counterfeiters retraces the true story of Adolf Burger, recounted in his memoir The Devil's Workshop. A typographer by trade, he became one of a group of deportees forced to produce impeccable imitation bank notes in Sachsenhausen concentration camp with the intention of flooding the economies of both the U.K and the U.S. To succeed, would have enabled the Nazis to win the war, to fail, meant certain death. Was his ultimate act of sabotage brave or foolhardy? http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/Counterfeiter.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:00:00 GMT 58:28 Adolf Burger, Holocaust http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/220209d.php Jewish Book Council Tania Hershman, Michelene Wandor, Tamar Yellin, Karen Maitland, Chair: Anne Sebba Join us to help launch World Jewish Relief's first ever collection of short stories. Jewish and non-Jewish writers from Britain, Israel and North America have come together to support WJR and to tell their tales, trying to make fictional sense of the previous century and the century just beginning to evolve. This book has been given the title of The Sea of Azov, after both the birthplace of Chekhov, that consummate master of the short story, and the site of one of WJR's campaigns to support distressed Jewish communities. Join us to help launch World Jewish Relief's first ever collection of short stories. Jewish and non-Jewish writers from Britain, Israel and North America have come together to support WJR and to tell their tales, trying to make fictional sense of the previous century and the century just beginning to evolve. This book has been given the title of The Sea of Azov, after both the birthplace of Chekhov, that consummate master of the short story, and the site of one of WJR's campaigns to support distressed Jewish communities. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/sea-of-azov.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 12:30:00 GMT 37:51 Tanya Hershman, World Jewish Relief http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/220209e.php Jewish Book Council Dannie Abse Part interview, part reading, Ruth Padel and Dannie Abse cover writing, love, humour and the role of art, along with the Abse's latest book, The Presence, a stark and moving literary confrontation with absence and loss. A wonderful opportunity to hear the wit and wisdom of two of Britain's most distinguished poets. Part interview, part reading, Ruth Padel and Dannie Abse cover writing, love, humour and the role of art, along with the Abse's latest book, The Presence, a stark and moving literary confrontation with absence and loss. A wonderful opportunity to hear the wit and wisdom of two of Britain's most distinguished poets. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/Dannie%20Abse.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 12:30:00 GMT 60:24 Adolf Burger, Holocaust http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/220209g.php Jewish Book Council Yirmiyahu Yovel In his long awaited work, Marranos: The Other Within. Split Identity and Emerging Modernity, Yirmiyahu Yovel tells the fascinating story of people both rejected by Jews as renegades and by Christians as Jews of impure blood. With its forced split identity, its tendency to religious dissent and secularity, the Marrano experience is also a profound meditation on dual identities and the birth of modernity. In his long awaited work, Marranos: The Other Within. Split Identity and Emerging Modernity, Yirmiyahu Yovel tells the fascinating story of people both rejected by Jews as renegades and by Christians as Jews of impure blood. With its forced split identity, its tendency to religious dissent and secularity, the Marrano experience is also a profound meditation on dual identities and the birth of modernity. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/Marranos.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:00:00 GMT 39:29 Marranos http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/220209h.php Jewish Book Council Joe Freidman What would it be like to be bigger than your parents, and much bigger than your friends? Joe Friedman, author of the “warm, wise and wonderful” Boobela and Worm books, explores being very big and very small. He also explores creating stories and what goes into making a book. Joe, an American, has performed as a comic so you’re guaranteed an interactive, entertaining session. What would it be like to be bigger than your parents, and much bigger than your friends? Joe Friedman, author of the “warm, wise and wonderful” Boobela and Worm books, explores being very big and very small. He also explores creating stories and what goes into making a book. Joe, an American, has performed as a comic so you’re guaranteed an interactive, entertaining session. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/boobela.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:00:00 GMT 53:14 Joe Friedman, Boobela http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/220209j.php Jewish Book Council Simon Sebag Montefiore in conversation with Ariane Koek He had been commended for the lively pace of his biographies of Stalin and Catherine the Great. From megalomaniac leaders to ordinary people, who believed in the Revolution, but were crushed by its machinery, the move from History to story-making was only natural, or was it? Montefiore talks about his beloved Russia, fact vs fiction and his switch between genres. He had been commended for the lively pace of his biographies of Stalin and Catherine the Great. From megalomaniac leaders to ordinary people, who believed in the Revolution, but were crushed by its machinery, the move from History to story-making was only natural, or was it? Montefiore talks about his beloved Russia, fact vs fiction and his switch between genres. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/Sashenka.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:30:00 GMT 61:06 Stalin, Russia, History http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/220209k.php Jewish Book Council Moacyr Scliar, Chair: Rosine Perelberg Discover the wonderful world of Brazilian writer Moacyr Scliar. Physician and lifelong resident of Porto Alegre, Scliar tackles contemporary Brazilian society and Jewish tradition in equal measures. He reconciles in his colourful stories the multifarious influences that constitute a Latin American Jewish identity. Discover the wonderful world of Brazilian writer Moacyr Scliar. Physician and lifelong resident of Porto Alegre, Scliar tackles contemporary Brazilian society and Jewish tradition in equal measures. He reconciles in his colourful stories the multifarious influences that constitute a Latin American Jewish identity. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/the-word-magician.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:30:00 GMT 49:14 Moacyr Scliar http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/220209l.php Jewish Book Council Elaine Feinstein, Joseph Sherman, Chair: David Mazower Elaine Feinstein and Joseph Sherman write about Jewish writers in Stalin’s Russia. In The Russian Jerusalem, her lyrical novel about history, memory and love, Feinstein concentrates on Marina Tsvetaeva and her contemporaries who had chosen to write in Russian. In From Pogrom to Purge, Sheman recounts the dramatic trial and murder in 1952 of 13 major Yiddish writers, putting an end to Yiddish culture in Russia. Elaine Feinstein and Joseph Sherman write about Jewish writers in Stalin’s Russia. In The Russian Jerusalem, her lyrical novel about history, memory and love, Feinstein concentrates on Marina Tsvetaeva and her contemporaries who had chosen to write in Russian. In From Pogrom to Purge, Sheman recounts the dramatic trial and murder in 1952 of 13 major Yiddish writers, putting an end to Yiddish culture in Russia. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/russian-jerusalem.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT 40:21 Jewish writers, Yiddish, Stalin http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/220209n.php Jewish Book Council Monica Bohm Duchen, Eliane Strosberg, Julia Weiner, Chair: Andrew Renton Monica Bohm-Duchen, author of the first comprehensive monograph on Polish-born, British-domiciled artist Josef Herman and Marc Chagall's biographer Jackie Wullschlager join Eliane Strosberg who, in Human Expressionism, explores the work of Jewish artists and their avoidance of nihilism in a century that saw the vanishing of humanity. Chaired by art critic and writer Andrew Renton in the chair, they debate the fascinating issue of how Jewishness might express itself in modern art, irrespective of whether or not the artist deals with overtly Jewish subject-matter. Monica Bohm-Duchen, author of the first comprehensive monograph on Polish-born, British-domiciled artist Josef Herman and Marc Chagall's biographer Jackie Wullschlager join Eliane Strosberg who, in Human Expressionism, explores the work of Jewish artists and their avoidance of nihilism in a century that saw the vanishing of humanity. Chaired by art critic and writer Andrew Renton in the chair, they debate the fascinating issue of how Jewishness might express itself in modern art, irrespective of whether or not the artist deals with overtly Jewish subject-matter. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/Figuring-the-human.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT 54:44 Figurative Art, Judaism http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/220209q.php Jewish Book Council Amos Oz in conversation with Nicholas de Lange For Amos Oz, the wrong word in a sentence is as discordant as a false note in a piece of music. Nicholas de Lange has been translating his work since 1971. Here he interviews the novelist about his latest book, Rhyming Life and Death, their shared passion for language and literature, the pleasures and travail of writing and the very special relationship which develops between writer and translator. For Amos Oz, the wrong word in a sentence is as discordant as a false note in a piece of music. Nicholas de Lange has been translating his work since 1971. Here he interviews the novelist about his latest book, Rhyming Life and Death, their shared passion for language and literature, the pleasures and travail of writing and the very special relationship which develops between writer and translator. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/rhyming.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:30:00 GMT 40:50 Amos Oz, Nicholas de Lange http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/220209r.php Jewish Book Council Jonathan Miller in conversation with Mark Lawson Famously, Jonathan Miller can turn his hand and astonishing brain to anything. Always entertaining, and invariably instructive, the redoubtable raconteur will reveal his passions and betes noires to Mark Lawson. Famously, Jonathan Miller can turn his hand and astonishing brain to anything. Always entertaining, and invariably instructive, the redoubtable raconteur will reveal his passions and betes noires to Mark Lawson. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/Jonathan-Miller.mp3 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:30:00 GMT 55:43 Jonathan Miller, Mark Lawson http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/230209a.php Jewish Book Council Irma Kurtz, Maureen Lipman, Chair: Naomi Gryn Frank, funny and telling it like it is Maureen Lipman and Irma Kurtz share their outlooks on the passing of years. Frank, funny and telling it like it is Maureen Lipman and Irma Kurtz share their outlooks on the passing of years. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/Third-age.mp3 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:00:00 GMT 45:01 Irma Kurtz, Maureen Lipman http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/230209d.php Jewish Book Council Greville Janner in conversation with Denis MacShane Lord Janner of Braunstone QC, Greville Janner, Labour Member of the House of Lords, has always been passionate about politics. At Cambridge, he was both President of the Union and Union Labour Club. While at the House of Commons, he campaigned for human rights and industrial relations and was a key player in the adoption of the 1991 War Crimes Act. Here he shares with us his passion and fascination for politics. Lord Janner of Braunstone QC, Greville Janner, Labour Member of the House of Lords, has always been passionate about politics. At Cambridge, he was both President of the Union and Union Labour Club. While at the House of Commons, he campaigned for human rights and industrial relations and was a key player in the adoption of the 1991 War Crimes Act. Here he shares with us his passion and fascination for politics. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/Greville-Janner.mp3 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:30:00 GMT 34:06 Greville Janner, Dennis McShane http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/230209e.php Jewish Book Council Susan Greenfield, Chair: Lisa Jardine The nature of individual identity is dissected by two of Britain's most outstanding intellectuals, renowned for their prominence inmany disciplines and their ability to make complicated issues understandable. They discuss human nature, our past, what makes us individual, the connection between the brain and the mind and what a society of fulfilled individuals would actually mean. The nature of individual identity is dissected by two of Britain's most outstanding intellectuals, renowned for their prominence inmany disciplines and their ability to make complicated issues understandable. They discuss human nature, our past, what makes us individual, the connection between the brain and the mind and what a society of fulfilled individuals would actually mean. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/Quest-for-identity.mp3 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:00:00 GMT 60:53 Susan Greenfield, Lisa Jardine http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/230209f.php Jewish Book Council Simon Schama For most people outside the United States, America's religious fervour conjures up images of intolerance and ultra-conservatism. But Barack Obama captured a large chunk of the evangelical vote and slavery would never have been abolished without the hot gospellers of the nineteenth century. The story of the way religion plays out in American politics is richer and more complicated than is usually understood. With his customary panache and incomparable knowledge of history strengthened by his relentless trips across America, Simon Schama throws light on this fascinating subject. For most people outside the United States, America's religious fervour conjures up images of intolerance and ultra-conservatism. But Barack Obama captured a large chunk of the evangelical vote and slavery would never have been abolished without the hot gospellers of the nineteenth century. The story of the way religion plays out in American politics is richer and more complicated than is usually understood. With his customary panache and incomparable knowledge of history strengthened by his relentless trips across America, Simon Schama throws light on this fascinating subject. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/Simon-Schama.mp3 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:30:00 GMT 47:40 Simon Schama http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/240209d.php Jewish Book Council Rebecca Abrams The author of Touching Distance, a novel based on the true story of a brilliant doctor who discovered germ theory a century before Lister, but died with his reputation in tatters, shares with us her fascination for scientific discovery, the difference between truth and knowledge and the moral responsibilities that accompany discoveries. The author of Touching Distance, a novel based on the true story of a brilliant doctor who discovered germ theory a century before Lister, but died with his reputation in tatters, shares with us her fascination for scientific discovery, the difference between truth and knowledge and the moral responsibilities that accompany discoveries. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/passion-for-science.mp3 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:00:00 GMT 25:19 Rebecca Abrams http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/240209e.php Jewish Book Council David Goldstein, Vivienne Parry Who are the Jews? Where did they come from? What is the connection between an ancient Jewish priest in Jerusalem and today's Israeli sunbather on the beaches of Tel Aviv? The author of Jacob's Legacy, David Goldstein has been commended for his gift for translating complex scientific concepts into language understandable to all. He discusses with Vivienne Parry how the study of genetics has not only changed the study of Jewish history, it has altered notions of Jewish identity and even our understanding of what makes a people a people. Who are the Jews? Where did they come from? What is the connection between an ancient Jewish priest in Jerusalem and today's Israeli sunbather on the beaches of Tel Aviv? The author of Jacob's Legacy, David Goldstein has been commended for his gift for translating complex scientific concepts into language understandable to all. He discusses with Vivienne Parry how the study of genetics has not only changed the study of Jewish history, it has altered notions of Jewish identity and even our understanding of what makes a people a people. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/jacobs-legacy.mp3 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:00:00 GMT 40:09 David Goldstein, Vivienne Parry http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/240209f.php Jewish Book Council Frederic Raphael, Chair: Bryan Cheyette. With the participation of Tom Conti. Born in Chicago, Frederic Raphael moved to England as a boy and his father advised him to grow up to be 'an English gentleman' rather than 'an American Jew'. His first glittering prize was winning a scholarship to Cambridge, followed by an Oscar and general recognition for his witty scripts for television and the silver screen. Writing was always his way to right the wrongs he had suffered. He is loved for his fast paced novels and sparkling humour. He talks to Bryan Cheyette about questions of identity, the bravery of publishing his diaries, translating fromancient Greek, writing stories to be read or turned into films and the hoped-for sequel to Fame and Fortune. Born in Chicago, Frederic Raphael moved to England as a boy and his father advised him to grow up to be 'an English gentleman' rather than 'an American Jew'. His first glittering prize was winning a scholarship to Cambridge, followed by an Oscar and general recognition for his witty scripts for television and the silver screen. Writing was always his way to right the wrongs he had suffered. He is loved for his fast paced novels and sparkling humour. He talks to Bryan Cheyette about questions of identity, the bravery of publishing his diaries, translating fromancient Greek, writing stories to be read or turned into films and the hoped-for sequel to Fame and Fortune. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/fame-and-fortune.mp3 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:30:00 GMT 52:42 Frederic Raphael, Tom Conti http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/250209f.php Jewish Book Council Eva Hoffman, Richard Sennett, Chair: Jonathan Heawood Eva Hoffman and Richard Sennett, both intellectuals and musicians of the highest standing, discuss what makes the difference between a good and a great performer and the very concept of genius. They argue whether the view of the artist as superior to the craftsman is romantic idealism or reality. They consider these themes in relation to their own intellectual pursuits and explore the role and responsibility of the writer. Eva Hoffman and Richard Sennett, both intellectuals and musicians of the highest standing, discuss what makes the difference between a good and a great performer and the very concept of genius. They argue whether the view of the artist as superior to the craftsman is romantic idealism or reality. They consider these themes in relation to their own intellectual pursuits and explore the role and responsibility of the writer. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/art-and-graft.mp3 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:00:00 GMT 64:55 Eva Hoffman, Richard Sennett http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/250209g.php Jewish Book Council Tony Leon In his autobiography, On the Contrary: Leading the Opposition in the New South Africa, Tony Leon, leader of the opposition to the ANC for thirteen years, looks back on a half century of South African politics from the fight to end Apartheid to the birth and near death of the Democratic Alliance and his struggle with Thabo Mbeki over AIDS, Zimbabwe and race. In a no-holds-barred assessment he provides an insider's account of the dramas and events which have helped shape and define modern South Africa. He also charts the future course of South Africa following the rise of Jacob Zuma and the struggle for power inside the ANC. A rare view from behind the scenes from one of South Africa's prominent actors. In his autobiography, On the Contrary: Leading the Opposition in the New South Africa, Tony Leon, leader of the opposition to the ANC for thirteen years, looks back on a half century of South African politics from the fight to end Apartheid to the birth and near death of the Democratic Alliance and his struggle with Thabo Mbeki over AIDS, Zimbabwe and race. In a no-holds-barred assessment he provides an insider's account of the dramas and events which have helped shape and define modern South Africa. He also charts the future course of South Africa following the rise of Jacob Zuma and the struggle for power inside the ANC. A rare view from behind the scenes from one of South Africa's prominent actors. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/tony-leon.mp3 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:30:00 GMT 60:15 Tony Leon http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/260209e.php Jewish Book Council Hannah Rothschild The film-maker Hannah Rothschild describes her great aunt Pannonica Rothschild as "the one who got away" from the weight of responsibility attached to the family name. She moved from war-torn France and set up home in New York in the early 1950s, where she soon became patron and friend to bebop greats like Charlie Parker (who died in her hotel room) and Thelonious Monk (whom she nursed until his death). The film-maker Hannah Rothschild describes her great aunt Pannonica Rothschild as "the one who got away" from the weight of responsibility attached to the family name. She moved from war-torn France and set up home in New York in the early 1950s, where she soon became patron and friend to bebop greats like Charlie Parker (who died in her hotel room) and Thelonious Monk (whom she nursed until his death). http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/passion-for-jazz.mp3 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:00:00 GMT 36:44 Hannah Rothschild http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/260209f.php Jewish Book Council Linda Grant, Catherine Hill, Chair: Linda Kelsey Clothes matter. How we choose to dress ourselves defines our identity. The former editor of Cosmopolitan talks to Linda Grant, who has shown us that clothes can be a serious intellectual topic, and to Catherine Hill, who has proved that elegance and femininity can be life and death issues. Beware, this talk may change your perspective on black, the small matter of accessories and other fundamental facets of femininity? Clothes matter. How we choose to dress ourselves defines our identity. The former editor of Cosmopolitan talks to Linda Grant, who has shown us that clothes can be a serious intellectual topic, and to Catherine Hill, who has proved that elegance and femininity can be life and death issues. Beware, this talk may change your perspective on black, the small matter of accessories and other fundamental facets of femininity? http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/thoughtful-dresser.mp3 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:00:00 GMT 43:02 Linda Grant, Catherine Hill, Linda Kelsey http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/270209c.php Jewish Book Council Philippe Grimbert, Chair: Naomi Segal Set in the aftermath of the Nazi Occupation of France, when shame and fear polluted many a life, Secret tells the troubled story of a sickly boy who grows up with an imaginary brother, aware of what he has always somehow known and yet was never told. Psychoanalyst Philippe Grimbert talks about his autobiographical novel, the dark secret his parents kept from him throughout his childhood and the blurry line between truth and lies. Set in the aftermath of the Nazi Occupation of France, when shame and fear polluted many a life, Secret tells the troubled story of a sickly boy who grows up with an imaginary brother, aware of what he has always somehow known and yet was never told. Psychoanalyst Philippe Grimbert talks about his autobiographical novel, the dark secret his parents kept from him throughout his childhood and the blurry line between truth and lies. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/secret.mp3 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:00:00 GMT 46:21 Philippe Grimbert, Naomi Segal http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/010309b.php Jewish Book Council Suzanne Franks in conversation with Rebecca Abrams Suzanne Franks and Rebecca Abrams explore the mysterious world of teenagers and give parents some tips on how to survive the period, remain sane and still love our kids. A much recommended and salutary session. Suzanne Franks and Rebecca Abrams explore the mysterious world of teenagers and give parents some tips on how to survive the period, remain sane and still love our kids. A much recommended and salutary session. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/dealing-with-teenagers.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 11:00:00 GMT 34:16 Suzanne Franks, Rebecca Abrams http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/010309c.php Jewish Book Council Joshua Rozenberg, David Cesarani David Cesarani discusses his groundbreaking new book about the brutal murder of Jewish activist Alexander Rubowitz in Palestine in May 1947. Reading like a heady mix of true crime and polemical narrative history, Major Farran's Hat investigates a shady murder mystery of violence, cover ups and expediency that throws light on Britain's legacy in the Middle East - a cautionary tale with remarkable and troubling resonance for us all. A fascinating exploration of Jewish terrorism and Britain's last efforts to retain Palestine, based on recently released sources. David Cesarani discusses his groundbreaking new book about the brutal murder of Jewish activist Alexander Rubowitz in Palestine in May 1947. Reading like a heady mix of true crime and polemical narrative history, Major Farran's Hat investigates a shady murder mystery of violence, cover ups and expediency that throws light on Britain's legacy in the Middle East - a cautionary tale with remarkable and troubling resonance for us all. A fascinating exploration of Jewish terrorism and Britain's last efforts to retain Palestine, based on recently released sources. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/major-farran.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 11:00:00 GMT 51:08 Joshua Rozenberg, David Cesarani http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/010309d.php Jewish Book Council Samuel Kassow, Chair: Ben Barkow Hailed by the New Republic as possibly “the most important book of history that anyone will ever read”, Who Will Write Our History? tells the astounding story of Emanuel Ringelblum, who set up a clandestine operation to collect and preserve 35,000 documents in tin boxes buried underground, to preserve the memory of the Warsaw Ghetto and its inhabitants. Samuel Kassow bears witness to this extraordinary act of defiance in the face of tyranny and to the triumph of history. Hailed by the New Republic as possibly “the most important book of history that anyone will ever read”, Who Will Write Our History? tells the astounding story of Emanuel Ringelblum, who set up a clandestine operation to collect and preserve 35,000 documents in tin boxes buried underground, to preserve the memory of the Warsaw Ghetto and its inhabitants. Samuel Kassow bears witness to this extraordinary act of defiance in the face of tyranny and to the triumph of history. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/Who-will-write-our-history.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:30:00 GMT 39:13 Samuel Kassow, Ben Barkow, Holocaust, Warsaw Ghetto http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/010309e.php Jewish Book Council Robert Menasse, Alessandro Piperno, Chair: Hepzhibah Anderson Alessandro Piperno's books have been described as post-Primo Levi literature. His novel, The Worst Intentions, is an irreverent description of 3 generations of a rich Jewish family from Rome. With his Don Juan de la Mancha -a vivid portrait of the post-'68 generation -Robert Menasse, one of the leading voices in Austrian literature, is more entertaining and facetious than ever. Both share an ironic outlook on life, sex and families. Alessandro Piperno's books have been described as post-Primo Levi literature. His novel, The Worst Intentions, is an irreverent description of 3 generations of a rich Jewish family from Rome. With his Don Juan de la Mancha -a vivid portrait of the post-'68 generation -Robert Menasse, one of the leading voices in Austrian literature, is more entertaining and facetious than ever. Both share an ironic outlook on life, sex and families. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/masters-of-irony.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:30:00 GMT 46:49 Robert Menasse, Alessandro Piperno, Hepzhibah Anderson http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/010309h.php Jewish Book Council Sophie Judah in conversation with Edna Fernandes There are many theories about the origins of the various Jewish communities in India but fewer about their slow dissapearance, which can be attributed to internicine struggle rather than external anti-semitism. Sophie Judah was raised in the Bene Israel community which she brings back to life in her delightful Dropped from Heaven, a collection of interconnected short stories. In The Last Jews of Kerala, Edna Fernandes shows how internal racism between 'white' and 'black' Jews and quarrels over who came first, spelt their demise. Together, they talk about this fascinating and unique world. There are many theories about the origins of the various Jewish communities in India but fewer about their slow dissapearance, which can be attributed to internicine struggle rather than external anti-semitism. Sophie Judah was raised in the Bene Israel community which she brings back to life in her delightful Dropped from Heaven, a collection of interconnected short stories. In The Last Jews of Kerala, Edna Fernandes shows how internal racism between 'white' and 'black' Jews and quarrels over who came first, spelt their demise. Together, they talk about this fascinating and unique world. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/disappearing-number.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:00:00 GMT 36:23 Sophie Judah, Edna Fernandes http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/010309g.php Jewish Book Council Paul Verhaeghen, Chair: Boyd Tonkin Paul Verhaeghen received The Independent Foreign Fiction Prize for his extraordinary novel Omega Minor, an exploration of the world of Nazis and Neo-Nazis alike, the destructive logics of The Holocaust and the Bomb, truths that kill and lies that keep alive, passionate love and devouring lust. Paul Verhaeghen and Boyd Tonkin discuss moral choices, writing history and translating one's own work into English. Paul Verhaeghen received The Independent Foreign Fiction Prize for his extraordinary novel Omega Minor, an exploration of the world of Nazis and Neo-Nazis alike, the destructive logics of The Holocaust and the Bomb, truths that kill and lies that keep alive, passionate love and devouring lust. Paul Verhaeghen and Boyd Tonkin discuss moral choices, writing history and translating one's own work into English. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/omega-minor.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:00:00 GMT 39:16 Paul Verhaeghen, Boyd Tonkin http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/010309i.php Jewish Book Council Thomas Buergenthal, Chair: Philippe Sands Thomas Buergenthal is a truly remarkable man, now one of the 15 judges at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. He talks here to Philippe Sands about his journey from Auschwitz to The Hague and his faith in justice. He believes that the recurrence of such atrocities will only be prevented by the international implementation of human rights Thomas Buergenthal is a truly remarkable man, now one of the 15 judges at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. He talks here to Philippe Sands about his journey from Auschwitz to The Hague and his faith in justice. He believes that the recurrence of such atrocities will only be prevented by the international implementation of human rights http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/pursuing-justice.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:00:00 GMT 42:48 Thomas Buergenthal, Philippe Sands http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/010309k.php Jewish Book Council Lynne Reid Banks, Adele Geras, Chair: Geraldine Brennan Two grandes dames of children's literature meet for the first time ever. Between them they have lived in ten countries, won countless awards and written over 130 books (and not just for children) including , Reid Banks' The Indian in the Cupboard and The L-Shaped Room and Geras' My Grandmother's Stories and Voyage. Here they discuss the challenge of integrating history into their writing and reveal their inspirations and the secret to writing for different generations of children. Two grandes dames of children's literature meet for the first time ever. Between them they have lived in ten countries, won countless awards and written over 130 books (and not just for children) including , Reid Banks' The Indian in the Cupboard and The L-Shaped Room and Geras' My Grandmother's Stories and Voyage. Here they discuss the challenge of integrating history into their writing and reveal their inspirations and the secret to writing for different generations of children. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/story-spinners.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:30:00 GMT 44:22 Lynne Reid Banks, Adele Geras, Geraldine Brennan http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/010309m.php Jewish Book Council AB Yehoshua, Chair: Tsila Ratner, In Hebrew Hebrew Language Session Hebrew Language Session http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/hebrew-language-session.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:00:00 GMT 43:54 AB Yehoshua, Tsila Ratner http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/010309n.php Jewish Book Council Aaron Ben Ze'ev, Chair: Anthony Julius Aaron Ben Ze'ev examines the dark side of romantic love. Disappointed ideals can mutate into frenzied violence and abandoned lovers resort to murder rather than accept that their ex partner has found happiness in someone else’s embrace. This distinguished moral philosopher looks at the worst evils committed in the name of love. Aaron Ben Ze'ev examines the dark side of romantic love. Disappointed ideals can mutate into frenzied violence and abandoned lovers resort to murder rather than accept that their ex partner has found happiness in someone else’s embrace. This distinguished moral philosopher looks at the worst evils committed in the name of love. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/in-the-name-of-love.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:00:00 GMT 33:15 Aaron Ben Ze'ev, Chair: Anthony Julius http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/010309p.php Jewish Book Council Jonathan Magonet, Sara Maitland, Jonathan Wittenberg,Chair: Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand Does the language we use when we address God matter? How have conceptions of the divine developed over time and in what way do these inform everyday life and our interactions with others? Our three panellists offer their own unique insights into the topic. Does the language we use when we address God matter? How have conceptions of the divine developed over time and in what way do these inform everyday life and our interactions with others? Our three panellists offer their own unique insights into the topic. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/defining-the-divine.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:30:00 GMT 39:42 Jonathan Magonet, Sara Maitland, Jonathan Wittenberg, Chair: Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/010309r.php Jewish Book Council Alain de Botton We spend much of our lives at work – but surprisingly little gets written about what makes work both one of the most exciting and most painful of all our activities. Alain de Botton comes to Jewish Book Week to present his new, ninth book, The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work. This is an exploration of the joys and perils of the modern workplace, evoking what other people get up to all day – and night – to make the frenzied contemporary world function. With a philosophical eye and his characteristic combination of wit and wisdom, Alain de Botton leads us on a journey around a deliberately eclectic range of occupations, from rocket science to biscuit manufacture, accountancy to art – in search of what make jobs either fulfilling or soul-destroying. We spend much of our lives at work – but surprisingly little gets written about what makes work both one of the most exciting and most painful of all our activities. Alain de Botton comes to Jewish Book Week to present his new, ninth book, The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work. This is an exploration of the joys and perils of the modern workplace, evoking what other people get up to all day – and night – to make the frenzied contemporary world function. With a philosophical eye and his characteristic combination of wit and wisdom, Alain de Botton leads us on a journey around a deliberately eclectic range of occupations, from rocket science to biscuit manufacture, accountancy to art – in search of what make jobs either fulfilling or soul-destroying. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/alain-de-botton.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:30:00 GMT 37:16 Alain de Botton http://www.jewishbookweek.com/2009/010309s.php Jewish Book Council A.B. Yehoshua in conversation with Lyse Doucet At the core of Yehoshua's new novel, Friendly Fire, is the pointless death of a young soldier, the actual meaning of military terminology and the devastating effect it has on his family. An insightful exploration of relationships and of Israeli society today. Yehoshua talks to Lyse Doucet about the role of literature and the writer in Israel as well as his hopes and fears for the future. At the core of Yehoshua's new novel, Friendly Fire, is the pointless death of a young soldier, the actual meaning of military terminology and the devastating effect it has on his family. An insightful exploration of relationships and of Israeli society today. Yehoshua talks to Lyse Doucet about the role of literature and the writer in Israel as well as his hopes and fears for the future. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/ab-yehoshua.mp3 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:30:00 GMT 56:22 AB Yehoshua http://www.jewishbookweek.com/ Jewish Book Council Zoe Heller in conversation with Patrick Marber Join us for a scintillating conversation between acclaimed novelist Zoe Heller and Patrick Marber. Marber, who adaptated Heller's Notes on a Scandal for the screen, is now working on the screenplay of Heller's latest novel, The Believers. This comic, tragic and supremely entertaining story centres on one family's struggles with the consolations of faith and the trials of doubt, encompassing revolutionary socialism, Orthodox Judaism and a few things in between. Join us for a scintillating conversation between acclaimed novelist Zoe Heller and Patrick Marber. Marber, who adaptated Heller's Notes on a Scandal for the screen, is now working on the screenplay of Heller's latest novel, The Believers. This comic, tragic and supremely entertaining story centres on one family's struggles with the consolations of faith and the trials of doubt, encompassing revolutionary socialism, Orthodox Judaism and a few things in between. http://bookweek.alsonetworks.com/ab-yehoshua.mp3 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:30:00 GMT 79:58 Zoe Heller