THE JEWISH LOVER

by Edward Topol ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 23, 1998

Jean Valjean and his nemesis Javert are amusingly transposed into contemporary form in this nifty (if overlong) thriller from the Russian-born author of Red Square and China Lane. Journalist Iosif Rubinchik, a Russian Jew, is the quarry pursued by KGB agent Colonel Oleg Barsky, who aims to punish the former as an unregenerate seducer of women by hounding Iosif into exile in America, then prosecute him for leaving the Motherland. Topoi complicates matters skillfully when Barsky enlists the aid of prosecutor Anna Evgenyevna, a former mistress of Rubinchik's, who has her own political and sexual agenda. The result is a sophisticated suspense comedy of cross-purposes that, in its best moments, efficiently fuses standard-brand elements of international intrigue and bedroom farce.

Pub Date: Dec. 23, 1998

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 416

Publisher: St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1998

Categories: FICTION