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Rebel Yells

Naomi Alderman takes on Britain’s Jews

by
Sara Ivry
August 22, 2006

This spring, Naomi Alderman made a big splash in the U.K. with her prize-winning debut novel, Disobedience. It follows Ronit Krushka, the prodigal daughter of an esteemed rabbi who returns to London after her father’s death. The story includes many un-Orthodox transgressions, including an adulterous affair between two women.

Alderman is herself Orthodox, born and raised in the neighborhood of Hendon, where she sets her novel and lives today. She talks to Nextbook about outspokenness and temerity, British television, and Howard Jacobson’s take on Harold Pinter.

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Sara Ivry is the host of Vox Tablet, Tablet Magazine’s weekly podcast. Follow her on Twitter @saraivry.

Sara Ivry is the host of Vox Tablet, Tablet Magazine’s weekly podcast. Follow her on Twitter@saraivry.