Jonathan Papernick Books

From the author of the acclaimed short story collection The Ascent of Eli Israel, and the warm, funny and heart-wrenching novel I Am My Beloveds, here are 14 searing, deeply-immersive stories that will forever change the way you look at the human experience. Profound and magical, dark and disturbing, Papernick's stories are always challenging and brave. Whether he is writing stiletto-sharp flash fiction or a novella-length historical drama, Papernick's characters are rendered with the greatest empathy, presenting beauty and understanding amid stark brutality. From the opening story "Displaced Person," to the sexy and shocking "The Cinq à Sept Girl," Papernick returns to the themes of love and longing and desire. "Adam Number Three," provides a golem revenge story for the 21st century, while "When the Rains Came," a brief but devastating parable, takes on the eternal great flood myth in which only innocent children remain to carry on. Masterful storytelling, by a writer working at peak power, Gallery of the Disappeared Men will remain with you long after you have closed the book.

Exploring themes of love and acceptance amidst loss and loneliness, this collection features ten compelling stories set across diverse locations, from modern Israel to Brooklyn and suburban New England. Characters grapple with their identities and desires, such as an Iraq war veteran experiencing a vision of the Virgin Mary and a struggling man awaiting the courage to express his feelings. With elements of magic and realism, these narratives resonate with the storytelling legacy of celebrated authors like Bernard Malamud and Philip Roth.

The story explores the challenges of an open marriage as Ben grapples with his wife Shira's decision to date another woman. As he tries to maintain his relationship with Shira while diving into new romantic experiences, he unexpectedly forms a deeper connection with one of his partners. This journey reveals the emotional complexities and unexpected consequences of their arrangement, forcing Ben to confront his feelings and the evolving dynamics of love and commitment.