Planet of the Jews

by Philip Graubart

Planet of the Jews is a story within a story. After all, when Judah Loeb, a New York comic book editor, receives a manuscript from a strange Hasidic couple, he thinks nothing of it. Until he reads it. Then, suddenly, Judah is caught up in an enchanting sci-fi fable of the future, a time when Jews, once again, are persecuted and driven not only out of their lands, but off Earth and onto a strange new world. Not only do the characters in this story (and its sequels) mirror Judah’s life, but they provide him with material that becomes the best selling comic novels of all time. What makes Planet of the Jews so fascinating is its unique format—not only do you read Judah’s story, but you read the story. And not only is Judah’s story interesting, but the plight of the thousands of Jews who must live and thrive so far away is unlike anything you’ve ever read.

201 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[Howie Modell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started this book off a recommendation in an article a friend pointed me to (is that round-about enough?). This is a weird book. In a way, it's actually 2 books, one within the other. The main book is about an editor/comic book writer/illustrator who is presented a manuscript by 2 mysterious people. The manuscripts (our hero gets a new one every few weeks) are then the alternating chapters. The "inner story" is about how the Jews of Earth are warned of a coming new Holocaust and a plan is designed to build a spaceship to take a few thousand to a new planet. Each new manuscript is the continuing story of living on this new planet, the so-called "Planet of the Jews".

The writer is entralled/enchanted by these badly-written manuscipts as is his publisher, and indeed the whole world. He makes a fortune, but finds his lapsed Jewish heritage becoming "aroused".

As strange as this is going to sound, I found the same thing happening to me. I haven't resumed going to synagogue yet, nor am I reviving celebrating holidays, BUT I'm wondering how to get to my tallis & t'fill'n at the back of the closet, and feeling a little guilt that maybe I should be saying "Kaddish"more often.

I don't know how to explain it. This book was not "great literature" but I could wish someone else would also read it so I have someone to talk to about it.