Suddenly Jewish - by Joan Moran (Paperback)

About the Book

Joan Moran shares her personal family history, crafting an inspiring tribute to her remarkable maternal ancestors and her quest for identity.

Book Synopsis

From the bustling streets of Odesa to the vibrant cities of London, Montreal, New York, and San Francisco's Jewish Fillmore District, Joan Moran's captivating historical memoir of her mother weaves a vivid portrait of one woman's quest for identity and freedom against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. This story blends history and religion as it takes the reader through an engaging saga about what it means to deny one's Jewish identity.

Suddenly Jewish is not just one woman's story - it's also the story of a family torn between tradition and rebellion and the secrets that shape their lives: Rose, the matriarch, Esther, her rebellious daughter, and Joan, Esther's daughter who learns the secrets of her family on the eve of her wedding.

Meet Esther, a young Jewish woman struggling to find her place in the world. From her humble beginnings in 1911, she embarks on a journey in pursuit of reinvention. While living in the Fillmore, the Jewish district in San Francisco, Estelle embraces her new identity, changes her name to Estelle, and explores the dynamic landscapes of San Francisco in the 1920s, '30s, and '40. She ventures beyond the confines of her neighborhood, exploring the high-powered corridors of the Financial District, the secretive back alleys of the Tenderloin with its clandestine abortionists, the bohemian jazz clubs and speakeasies of North Beach. She falls madly in love and marries an Irish Catholic young man from the Mission District and begins a life that develops her skills and imagination. In the corners of her life, Estelle dodges the obvious antisemitism that lurks beneath San Francisco's sophisticated landscape and vows never blend into society.

Estelle's daughter, Joan, comes of age. Even though raised a Catholic, through association, she feels an affinity for the Jewish people and their religion. When her mother finally reveals the true magnitude of her struggle, Joan must negotiate her emotional response to her mother's secret and her new identity as she marries a young man who is Jewish fresh out of law school. Joan's new husband tells her they are moving to Las Vegas. Upset that this newly married couple will leave Berkeley for a town mired in the fringes of mafia influence, Joan confronts her husband for the real reason he is not willing to practice law in San Francisco. "Jews don't make partner," he tells his new wife. "I'll never be able to get to the top. In Las Vegas, I know people, worked in the DA's office, and can be a big fish in a small pond."

The Las Vegas Jewish community was thriving. Joan and her husband also caught the wave of success. They made the most of their new life. They had two boys, and with both sets of parents moving to Las Vegas, the family embraced their Jewish identity. In time, with persistence and honesty, Estelle made her peace with being Jewish.

Review Quotes

Suddenly Jewish: The Life and Times of My Jewish Mother excels on two counts: as a lively and penetrating story of Joan Moran's mother - a young girl who hides her Jewish identity at an early age; and as a vital social and historical slice of immigration, assimilation, and tradition. It is also a wonderful historic telling of the '20s, '30s, and '40s in America and the rise of antisemitism and fascism as seen through the eyes of Esther Lanch, Joan's mother. The story takes place primarily in the Jewish District of San Francisco, the Fillmore, a district of immigrants intermingling but still separated by rapidly growing population of Irish, Japanese, and Chinese. Japanese - all participating in its development and promise.

Esther changes her name to Estelle and grows into a successful woman. She marries an Irish Catholic from the Mission District, fully determined not to be identified as the "other." The particulars of the lives of Joan's family over 4 generations (full of surprises, drama, tragedy and comedy) are beautifully rendered. Every American would benefit from reading Joan's book. And it's a delight to read!

- david boucher, editor (retired)

In Suddenly Jewish, author Joan Moran shares her personal family history, crafting an inspiring tribute to her remarkable maternal ancestors while exploring complex themes of immigration, class, and acculturation. Her vivid descriptions bring people and places to life, reminiscent of a technicolor Irish/Jewish Godfather movie.

Although the Moran's American journey differs from my own, I still found much to relate to. Both her mother and grandmother exemplify resourcefulness and determination, and it's clear they would be honored

by this telling of their stories by their talented descendant. Suddenly Jewish is a vibrant tapestry of family, identity, and resilience. The memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in memoirs, family histories, and stories of cultural identity.

- rachel martin, assistant dean, college of fine arts, ut austin (retired)

Suddenly Jewish: The Life and Times of My Jewish Mother takes the reader through an engaging saga about what it means to deny one's Jewish identity and the toll it takes on a person and those around her. Being Jewish is often a test of endurance. The Jews have been persecuted since the beginning of time. It's called antisemitism. The scenes actively portray a vibrant era and life. With these characters and their spirit, I could hardly wait to find out what would happen next.

- soll sussman, managing director, s cubed studio