You or Someone Like You, by Chandler Burr, is a novel that is strong in detail, and strong on message. If you have an aversion to extremely unambiguous content, then I suggest you pass this book by. Burr does not soften or sugar coat any aspect of the story line or word visuals.It intensely deals with many issues, from the literary aspect and the Hollywood upscale settings, to religion and religious/racial purity, to the marriage of Anne and Howard Rosenbaum. Their marriage is a religiously mixed one, she being a gentile, he being Jewish and formerly Orthodox. They live in an environment of affluence and within circles powered by monetary fulfillment.

I like the fact that Anne is not Jewish, but is a gentile in Jewish surroundings. I find that to be a unique perspective in a novel, and enjoyed reading the book through her viewpoint. Burr is masterful in that respect. Her strength lies in her literary expertise. Her questioning of everything through Literature and literary endeavors is extreme, at times, but that is the way she structures her life. Literature is the glue that cements the foundation of her thinking, sometimes verging on neuroticism. It is the bonding that Anne uses to try to secure her marriage. There is no in between, and her opinions often waiver back and forth through literary quotations.

But, then again, her husband Howard, who is a powerful executive, also questions, which is indicative of the fact that Jews are seen as not afraid to question, and at times over amplify through questioning. Howard’s reactions and Anne’s actions are often over-reactive, and on the other hand, at times over-simplified. At times there is a fine edge, one in which the borders of absurdity and fanaticism blend together as one. Obsessive behavior reigns supreme. Howard’s processes and actions are often like a roller coaster ride, and exemplify his mindset, one minute thinking in one context, another minute acting in the reverse mode. If the reader isn’t careful, they can be left perplexed, wondering what just occurred or what Burr is trying to say. You might find yourself reading excerpts over again, but that is not a negative aspect to my mind. It helps reinforce the content, and helps the reader to understand the content better, which at times can be harsh in its forthrightness, That is the brilliance of Burr.

Through Anne and Howard’s relationship the portrait of a marriage on the verge of the edge begins to unfold, through events that happen to their seventeen-year old son, Sam. I won’t go into detail, as I don’t want to spoil some of the important aspects of the story line, and their son is an integral part of the whole in Anne and Howard’s relationship with each other, not only with their son. The portrait of literature within the framework of a marriage begins to take place, and how Literature is a basis for many decisions that are made, and for answers to questions asked. Judaism, its foundation and structure are illuminated within the pages, and the reader is left thinking about what it means to be Jewish, the truth of being Jewish. In the scheme of things, I believe Burr asks us if it even matters if one is Jewish (don’t quote me on that)? Anne and Howard have numerous friends, and they are the powerhouses of the film industry. Each character seems to be searching for something that they can’t quite define, and they often search for it through Literature. The portrayal of individuals floundering within the extremism of religion is vividly depicted. The comparing and contrasting undertones (and often overtones) of Literature and religion is unique and strong.

Racial purity seems to surface, and quite forcefully, more so within the last third of the book, when decisions and choices must be made, choices that pertain to religious identity, and to religious fanaticism. Those foundations are compared quite strongly. Deviance runs rampant through the pages. Family dynamics between Howard, his parents and other relatives are quite appalling in regards to religious prejudices and purity, and the harshness in which Burr vividly depicts their often aberrant and loquacious conversations could be shocking to some. If you read intently, and absorb all that is presented before you, you can definitely see the clarity of Burr’s words, and how he evokes the reader’s thought processes, especially in respect to the way religion and identity are forged within the novel. In fact, the comparison of Anne’s mental processes and literate mode of perception could compare with the religious identity aspect of the novel.

Many questions arise regarding seemingly outlandish or archaic religious practices, and regarding science and creation. In my opinion, Burr wants the reader to question, to rethink some of their perspectives, and to reflect on the question of truth (I could be wrong, though). What is truth in religion? Is there truth to and/or in religion? What is the truth of our identity? Is our identity entirely encompassed through our religion? What about the humanity/humanitarian aspect? Do we have a responsibility towards others, even if we don’t know them or they live on the other side of the world? What if they don’t share our spiritual beliefs, or if they are not of our race…where does responsibility lie, begin or end? Burr begs us to consider the issues of whether gender, race, or sexual preference matter as far as religion is concerned, and as far as humankind, in general. We all bleed the same color blood, and therefore, shouldn’t we all accept each other for who we are?

The superficial factors of our lives do not make us individuals of strength and character. Those attributes come from our truthfulness and our honest projections of ourselves…the projections that show the individuals in our personal environment that we care, that we are concerned about them, and concerned about the world as a whole. I think that is one of Burr’s messages. We need to treat each other, no matter where we reside on this planet, as we want to be treated. We need to show compassion and empathy to everyone, and try to be sincere and honest, and do good, as best we can, with whatever our capabilities allow us to do so. We need to dust ourselves off and get out of the perceptive rut we are in, and open our minds and hearts to our surroundings.

This book has had some controversial reviews and comments on various blogs and in various publications. I think that the individuals who seem to be the most offended (from what I have read) are the ones who are quick to judge and quick to reply negatively, and they probably carry their negativity, fanaticism and prejudicial judgments into every aspect of their existence. Their minds are closed. The novel is a harsh one in its look at religion, fanaticism and zealousness. You or Someone Like You, in my opinion, is not a book for everyone, not a book for the closed-minded individual, but for those who are accepting, and who are receptive to new ideas and modes of thought, even if they don’t agree with them. Do I agree with everything Burr had to say? No, I don’t. As individuals we can politely agree to disagree. It is a book for those willing to see each person as a unique individual, and as part of the planetary whole, and I am that type of person, and look for the good and the positive in each person I interact with. To me, one life is a piece of everyone’s life, and each of us holds a portion of each other within us.

I applaud Chandler Burr for his accomplishments and endeavors in writing this intense novel.

I want to thank Chandler Burr and the publisher for the review copy. I am glad I read the book, and that the pages illuminated the areas of religious extremism, perception and attitude that it did, giving this reader much to ponder. It is not an easy read. Burr’s words caused me to reflect on and question my thinking on certain issues. I feel You or Someone Like You is an important literary contribution that elicits the reader to ponder the issues regarding the dogma, ideals and facets of religious-based racial purity, and to question the theme of religious ethics, and also moral responsibility for humankind.

Excuse the update…I had to correct a spelling error.
~~~~~~~~~~~
© Copyright 2007 – All Rights Reserved – No permission is given or allowed to reuse my photography, book reviews, writings, or my poetry in any form/format without my express written consent/permission.

Friday August 21, 2009 – 1st of Elul, 5769