What originally got me interested in this book was the claim that the stories were a modern take on the "Tales of the Unexpected" and "Twlight Zone" genre, which appealed as I'm not a fan of the heavy fantasy/gorefest-type. I thought the stories here were great - well-written, good plots/storylines, and with a neat little jolt at the end of each one. What I particularly enjoyed was the tight, concise style as I hate the self-indulgent ramblings of some authors who take a hundred page to tell you nothing. This author's got the mix just right for me. I took the book on vacation with me and it was just a perfect little read to dip in/out when I was on the plane and by the pool. According to the blurb on the cover, the author plans to bring out more in this series - I'll certainly buy his work again.

I know Dean and I know he needs the money.

I like David Brenner. He's one of the funniest comedians I've ever seen. If you've seen David, live on stage, his writing contains the same style of quick wit, hit em' hard and knock em' over enthusiasm that has you flying across the pages. This is a pretty good book. For most, David will confirm your fears about traveling. The rest will grab a few anecdotes you can use to spice up your vacation stories when you return home. A fun, easy-reading, humorous book!

Although its title alludes to a psalm of lamentation, this book (first published in 1908-09) is a secular product. Set in early 20th century London, it has all the familiar motifs of "engaged" Jewish writing: starving workers exploited by corpulent capitalists, former revolutionaries in search of an identity, failed strikes--the classic pained world of Jewish emmigration.

Brenner's novel excels, however, similar creations (e.g. Leivick's "Shop") on a number of counts: it was fortunate to find a top-class tranlator (Webber Prize 1989), and in itself it employs an interesting variety of literary techniques (journal, stream of consciousness, a certain drama-like quality when the narrator disappears for long spells, and some powerful albeit feverish storytelling when he checks back in). The novel goes beyond the usual socio-economic agit-prop of the time: Brenner, something of a celebrity in the Hebrew literature of the day, is more focused on ethical issues, with his compelling insistence on heroic responsibility for one's actions and compassion for others.

With its decent plot-weaving and some good comical sketches, this is a thoroughly readable book.