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The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz

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The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler is a character-driven novel set in 1950s Montreal, following the ambitious and morally complex protagonist, Duddy Kravitz. Duddy is portrayed as a conniving and relentless individual who stops at nothing to achieve his goal of owning land, even if it means betraying those closest to him. The book delves into themes of greed, ambition, family dynamics, and the struggles of the Jewish community during that time period, offering a raw and honest portrayal of a young man's relentless pursuit of success, regardless of the consequences.

Richler's writing style in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz is praised for its sharp and engaging dialogue, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor and intensity, drawing readers into Duddy's world of hustling and manipulation as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. The book captures the essence of a specific time and place, showcasing the intricacies of human relationships and the complexities of individual ambitions in a close-knit community.

Characters:

The characters are largely defined by their interactions with Duddy, highlighting their struggles and moral complexities against his selfishness.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is concise and dialogue-driven, emphasizing the fast-paced, energetic life of its flawed protagonist.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Duddy's relentless pursuit of land ownership, showcasing his moral decline and the consequences of his selfish, conniving behavior.

Setting:

The setting in 1950s Montreal provides a cultural and social backdrop for Duddy's story, enriching the narrative's context.

Pacing:

The pacing transitions from a slow start to a brisk, frenetic pace that mirrors Duddy's tumultuous life.
WHAT WITH HIS WIFE SO ILL THESE PAST FEW WEEKS and the prospect of three more days of teaching before the weekend break, Mr. MacPherson felt unusually glum. He trudged along St. Dominique Street to wi...

Notes:

The book is set in Montreal during the late 1940s and 50s.
Duddy Kravitz is portrayed as a poor, motherless Jewish boy.
The central theme revolves around Duddy's obsession with owning land, influenced by his grandfather's mantra.
Duddy's character is often described as morally corrupt and self-centered.
He uses people and manipulates those around him to achieve his goals.
The narrative is dialogue-heavy and sparse on descriptive prose, reflecting Duddy's chaotic life.
Yvette and Virgil are two friends who remain loyal to Duddy despite his bad behavior.
The book is considered a classic of Canadian literature and was published in 1959.
Richler's writing style is described as relentless and engaging, focusing on character rather than setting.
The sequel adaptation of the book features actor Richard Dreyfuss.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes themes of manipulation, betrayal, moral depravity, and violence, including the tragic outcomes of Duddy's actions.

From The Publisher:

The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz is the novel that established Mordecai Richler as one of the world's best comic writers. Growing up in the heart of Montreal's Jewish ghetto, Duddy Kravitz is obsessed with his grandfather's saying, "A man without land is nothing." In his relentless pursuit of property and his drive to become a somebody, he will wheel and deal, he will swindle and forge, he will even try making movies. And in spite of the setbacks he suffers, the sacrifices he must make along the way, Duddy never loses faith that his dream is worth the price he must pay. This blistering satire traces the eventful coming-of-age of a cynical dreamer. Amoral, inventive, ruthless, and scheming, Duddy Kravitz is one of the most magnetic anti-heroes in literature, a man who learns the hard way that dreams are never exactly what they seem, even when they do come true.

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About the Author:

Mordecai Richler was born in Montreal in 1931. Among his most successful novels are The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, St. Urbain's Horseman, Solomon Gursky Was Here, and Barney's Version. He died in 2001.

 
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