Cover of The Assistant
Read Time: ~4.1 hr

The Assistant

by Bernard Malamud (1957)

About this book

Frank, a troubled, somewhat desperate, Italo-American works long hours in the grocery store of a struggling Jewish family in a Brooklyn neighborhood. He develops a secret passion for his employer's attractive daughter.

Setting / LocationGlobal
Story EraLate 20th Century
Protagonist / CoreNotable Characters

Readers who enjoyed this also loved

Cover of Pnin

Pnin

Vladimir Nabokov

Life and character of a middle-aged emigre Russian professor in a small American college.

Cover of The Comfort of Strangers

The Comfort of Strangers

Ian McEwan

Colin and Mary are lovers on holiday in Italy, their relationship becoming increasingly problematic as they become increasingly alienated from one and other. They move from place to place in this foreign land but seemingly without aim or purpose and more, seemingly bored and without attachment. Then they meet a man named Robert and his wife, Caroline, who is crippled. Colin and Mary seem happy for the diversion--happy to meet another couple that takes the focus of off them (off of each other) for a while. Things become strange (and stranger yet; one could say horrific) when they attempt to leave: Robert and Caroline insist that they stay with them for a while longer. While Mary and Colin indeed rediscover each other in ways during this time--an erotic attraction to each other that was below the surface--they also find that their relationship/friendship with Robert and Caroline takes turns that are likewise erotic and violent in nature. A pervasive dread runs through this novel, leading to the terrible climax that no reader could predict. Absolutely in the key of McEwan, without match in the genre, and a very worthwhile read.

Cover of Beginning with my streets

Beginning with my streets

Czesław Miłosz

Beginning with my streets is a celebrated work by Czesław Miłosz (Nobel Laureate), recognized for masterclass storytelling and lasting literary resonance.

Cover of The Bean Trees

The Bean Trees

Barbara Kingsolver

The Bean Trees is a celebrated work by Barbara Kingsolver (Pulitzer Prize Winner, Women's Prize Winner), recognized for masterclass storytelling and lasting literary resonance.

The Assistant by Bernard Malamud | Literally Just Books