The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz - by Mordecai Richler (Paperback)

About the Book

From his third generation Jewish immigrant family in Montreal, Duddy learns about life in this unforgettable human comedy.

Book Synopsis

From Mordecai Richler, one of our greatest satirists, comes one of literature's most delightful characters, Duddy Kravitz -- in a novel that belongs in the pantheon of seminal twentieth century books.
Duddy -- the third generation of a Jewish immigrant family in Montreal -- is combative, amoral, scheming, a liar, and totally hilarious. From his street days tormenting teachers at the Jewish academy to his time hustling four jobs at once in a grand plan to "be somebody," Duddy learns about living -- and the lesson is an outrageous roller-coaster ride through the human comedy. As Richler turns his blistering commentary on love, money, and politics, The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz becomes a lesson for us all...in laughter and in life.

From the Back Cover

From Mordecai Richler, one of our greatest satirists, comes one of literature's most delightful characters, Duddy Kravitz -- in a novel that belongs in the pantheon of seminal twentieth century books.

Duddy -- the third generation of a Jewish immigrant family in Montreal -- is combative, amoral, scheming, a liar, and totally hilarious. From his street days tormenting teachers at the Jewish academy to his time hustling four jobs at once in a grand plan to "be somebody, " Duddy learns about living -- and the lesson is an outrageous roller-coaster ride through the human comedy. As Richler turns his blistering commentary on love, money, and politics, THE APPRENTICESHIP OF DUDDY KRAVITZ becomes a lesson for us all...in laughter and in life.

Review Quotes

Chicago Tribune A rasping humor pervades the book....It burgeons with its special talent and a vulgar vitality.

Los Angeles Times Funny in the biting, subversive manner of Joseph Heller and Philip Roth.

The New York Times Book Review Richler has been praised for his clear-eyed vision and his realistic style.... The total effect is as brash and blatant as a sports car rally -- and as suggestive of power.

The Washington Times A fast-moving, entertaining, and bawdy novel.

The Washington Times It is time to recognize Mr. Richler as one of North America's most powerful novelists.

Minneapolis Star Tribune Duddy Kravitz [is] Richler's most famous creation.

Alfred Kazin It comes off brilliantly.

About the Author

Mordecai Richler was born in Montreal in 1931. Among his most successful novels are The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (made into an acclaimed film starring Richard Dreyfuss), St. Urbain's Horseman, Solomon Gursky Was Here, and Barney's Version. He divides his time between Canada (Montreal and Lake Memphremagog) and London.