Avid followers of The New York Times might recall Margalit Fox, whose signature is attached to many standout obituaries the publication has featured. Prior to her tenure as an obituary reporter, Fox played her part in the Book Review section and has since retired in 2018. Aside from her journalistic endeavors, she boasts of authoring five books which span a range of themes from linguistics to gripping true crime stories. Her most recent work, ‘The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum’ brings to life the journey of a Jewish immigrant of the 19th century who raises herself from a humble peddler to the commanding figure running a widespread unlawful operation, thereby making her mark as one of the earliest mob bosses in America. Fox’s book comes heavily recommended and can be thoroughly enjoyed alongside ‘The Incorruptible’ by Dan Slater as it carries the narrative of Jewish gangsters in New York into the 20th century.
On the list this week also lies an unexpected delight diving into the scientific wonders behind refrigeration. Accompanying on this journey are refreshing narratives from authors like Lev Grossman, Claire Lombardo and Liz Moore. In the realm of novels, Grossman offers an immersive experience with ‘The Bright Sword,’ a tale revolving around the legendary King Arthur. We hope these suggestions bring cheer and enlightenment to your reading time. – Gregory Cowles
In ‘Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, And Ourselves,’ Nicola Twilley presents an engrossing narrative that unfolds the extensive network of refrigerated logistics, spotlighting the revolutionary trucks, rail cars and shipping containers that enable access to fruits like bananas and avocados throughout the annum. Twilley goes the extra mile to unravel the significant changes this brings about in our food as well as the honorable mentions of the vibrant individuals who are the cogs in the machine.
Reviewed by Sallie Tisdale, ‘The Bright Sword,’ penned by Lev Grossman tells a compelling tale from the familiar world of King Arthur. The plot is centered around a knight with dreams of earning a place in the Round Table, but his dreams are dashed as he finds King Arthur to have passed on arrival. Although heartbroken, he doesn’t falter and thus begins an adventurous journey with the remaining knights as they attempt to envision the next chapter of Camelot.
Kiersten White gives a thumbs-up to Grossman’s work in her review. It’s a novel that dives reader into the world of Arthurian legend, captivating enough to be worth its price of $35.
As reviewed by Debby Applegate, ‘The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum’ by Margalit Fox captures the gripping life of Fredericka Mandelbaum. Tracing her life from her humble beginnings on the Lower East Side as a street peddler, the narrative charts her rise to ruling over an extensive criminal network comprised of pickpockets, bank looters, and unprincipled officers. Mandelbaum capitalizes on the Gilded Age’s business climate to carve her dramatically lucrative, albeit unlawful, career – audaciously contradicting the odds stacked against her as an impoverished female Jewish immigrant.
In ‘Same As It Ever Was,’ a comprehensive study of familial bonds unfolding across 500 pages, Claire Lombardo places Julia Ames at the center. Julia stands at the cusp of significant life moments – celebrating a graduation, preparing for a wedding, expecting the arrival of a grandchild. As she navigates these milestones, she reflects on her life’s journey and contemplates her next steps, leaving readers to ponder whether she embraces or resists change.
Hamilton Cain, in his review, commends Lombardo’s effort to spin a tale of mid-life transitions. The book is priced at $30.
Liz Moore’s ‘The God of The Woods’ navigates the unsolved mystery of two missing siblings at an Adirondack summer camp, events separated by over a decade that trigger a confrontation among the camp folk. Further stirring the cauldron of mystery is the omnipotent and affluent family whose home and ominous aura casts a long, dark shadow over the lakeside haven.
Kate Tuttle’s review underpins the gripping nature of Moore’s novel. The eerie intrigue of its narrative and the layers of meaning that reveal themselves as readers turn the pages make it a standout novel.