Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English

By: Natasha Solomons

Narrated by: James Adams

At the start of World War II, Jack and Sadie Rosenblum flee Berlin for London with their baby daughter, Elizabeth. Upon arrival, Jack receives a pamphlet from the German Jewish Aid Committee on how to act like a proper Englishman. He follows it to the letter - Saville Row suits, the BBC, trips to Covent Garden, a Jaguar - and it works like a charm. The Rosenblums settle into a prosperous new life.

Just one item on the list eludes him: An Englishman must be a member of a golf course. No golf course in England at the time will admit a Jew. But the list is now the guiding document in Jack's life, and he must check off the final item. So he decides to build his own golf club in the Dorset countryside. For the second time, Sadie leaves a home she loves. And despite ancient customs, British snobbery, mythical beasts, and a shrinking bank account, they triumph once again.

©2010 Natasha Solomons (P)2010 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"Utterly charming and very funny." (Paul Torday, author of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen)

Delightful Story!

This is such a fun story to listen to. It is read so beautifully. you can't help but fall in love with the quaint characters

Different take on immigration, but delivery flawed

Would you consider the audio edition of Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English to be better than the print version?

No, I’d prefer to have read the book. The narrator has a lovely British accent but delivers all lies in the same voice and does not know how to pronounce any of the non English words or phrases. These shortcomings seriously detract from the audio book.

What did you like best about this story?

The story has a charming if unbelieveable aspect.

What didn’t you like about James Adams’s performance?

Prounouciation errors and lack of ability to read in any but his own voice.

Who was the most memorable character of Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English and why?

Sadie Rosemblum, she seemed the most real and the most clearly drawn.

Loved it!

This is such a beautiful, poignant story. It’s gentle but full of hope and longing and grief, all set to a beautiful west country back drop. Thoroughly recommend.

Fantastic

Every time I read Natalie Solomon’s books I feel she brings my parents and my family back to me.

A sweet funny story on the struggles of assimilation

The Rosenblooms have recently arrived in England and are trying to blend in. This is particularly important to Mr. Rosenbloom who observes the English and makes a very long list of rules which he believes will help them. A charming, funny, sweet story!

Delightful

Would you listen to Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English again? Why?

Yes!

What did you like best about this story?

Originality, kindness, beauty

Which character – as performed by James Adams – was your favorite?

Toss up between Mr & Mrs Rosenbloom. Both so real and so lovable.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both! The efforts Mr R puts into fitting in, & Mrs R into preserving authenticity so well described!

Any additional comments?

Awed by book's magic. Usually I don't like magic much, but here it worked. It seemed real to the characters' experiences. Absolutely beautiful book! Highly recommended!

Delightful

I loved the story and the performance. I highly recommend this book. Can I be English?

Heartfelt humor

Loved getting to know Jack and Sadie and the English ways. Laughed out loud and cry at these two flawed humans.

more than meets the eye

On the surface this is the perfect summer listen that it first appears to be (for fans of eccentric British characters, period pieces and/or literary comedy.) But its more! Solomons manages to evoke serious reflection on "melting pot" vs "cultural mosiac" of immigrant experience as well as the soft but persistent undercurrents of racism, both in Mr Rosenblum's day and our own.

I would have liked this had it been just ear candy capitalizing on North Amercian hits like Guernsey Potato Peel Pie. Mj Pettigrew et. al. -- but it's more than just "charming" and a worthy listen in itself.

Bonus that it suits the summer listening niche so nicely!

Endearing

What made the experience of listening to Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English the most enjoyable?

About a Jewish man and his wife who emigrate to England from Berlin in the 30's, barely ahead of the Nazis. The sub-text story is about cultural contrasts, the immigrant experience, anti-semitism, and the devastating losses of European Jews whose families stayed behind. It is told in a charming style, not over-bearing, a little slow at times. Ultimately about redemption, love, and kindness. Narration was excellent.