Mordecai Richler’s novel “Joshua Then and Now (1980)” explores the evolution of its titular character, Joshua Shapiro, as he navigates his way through life in Montreal and London. Through a series of flashbacks and present-day events, Richler examines the complexities of identity, family, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. This article provides a summary of the novel and its themes, offering insights into Richler’s portrayal of Joshua’s journey.
Background Information on Mordecai Richler
Mordecai Richler was a Canadian author born in Montreal in 1931. He was known for his satirical and humorous writing style, often exploring the complexities of Canadian identity and culture. Richler’s works often featured Jewish characters and themes, drawing from his own experiences growing up in a Jewish family in Montreal. He gained international recognition for his novel “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” and was a two-time winner of the Governor General’s Award for fiction. Richler passed away in 2001, leaving behind a legacy of influential Canadian literature.
Overview of ‘Joshua Then and Now’
“Joshua Then and Now” is a novel written by Mordecai Richler and published in 1980. The book follows the life of Joshua Shapiro, a Jewish-Canadian writer who is struggling to find his place in the world. The novel is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on Joshua’s childhood and adolescence in Montreal, and the second part following his adult life in London and Paris. Throughout the novel, Richler explores themes of identity, family, and the search for meaning in life. “Joshua Then and Now” is a witty and insightful novel that offers a unique perspective on the Jewish experience in Canada and Europe.
Joshua’s Childhood and Family Life
Joshua Then and Now (1980) by Mordecai Richler is a novel that explores the life of Joshua Shapiro, a Jewish-Canadian writer who struggles to find his place in the world. The novel is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on Joshua’s childhood and family life.
Joshua was born in Montreal in the 1940s, and he grew up in a Jewish family that was deeply rooted in tradition. His father, Reuben, was a successful businessman who was proud of his Jewish heritage, while his mother, Dolores, was a Catholic who converted to Judaism when she married Reuben. Joshua had two older sisters, Tamara and Rachel, who were both intelligent and ambitious.
Despite the fact that Joshua’s family was well-off, he had a difficult childhood. He was a sensitive and introspective child who struggled to fit in with his peers. He was also deeply affected by the fact that his mother was not Jewish by birth, which made him feel like an outsider in his own family.
As Joshua grew older, he became more rebellious and began to question the traditions and values that his family held dear. He was particularly critical of his father’s materialism and his mother’s blind devotion to her husband. Joshua’s relationship with his sisters also became strained, as they pursued their own ambitions and left him feeling left behind.
Overall, Joshua’s childhood and family life set the stage for the rest of the novel, as he grapples with his identity and tries to find his place in the world. Richler’s vivid descriptions of Joshua’s family and upbringing provide a rich backdrop for the novel’s exploration of themes such as tradition, identity, and belonging.
Joshua’s Adolescence and Coming of Age
During Joshua’s adolescence and coming of age, he begins to question the values and beliefs of his family and community. He becomes more aware of the social and political issues of the time, such as the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement. Joshua also struggles with his own identity and sexuality, as he begins to explore his attraction to both men and women. This period of his life is marked by rebellion and experimentation, as he tries to find his place in the world. Despite the challenges he faces, Joshua’s adolescence and coming of age ultimately shape him into the complex and multifaceted character he becomes in adulthood.
Joshua’s Education and Career
Joshua’s education and career are significant aspects of his character development in Mordecai Richler’s novel, “Joshua Then and Now.” As a young man, Joshua attends McGill University in Montreal, where he studies English literature and becomes involved in the city’s vibrant cultural scene. However, his academic pursuits are cut short when he is expelled for plagiarizing a paper. This setback sets the tone for Joshua’s career, as he struggles to find his place in the world and make a living as a writer. Despite his talent and ambition, he faces numerous obstacles, including rejection from publishers and financial instability. Nevertheless, Joshua perseveres, and his experiences ultimately shape his identity and worldview.
Joshua’s Relationships with Women
Throughout the novel, Joshua’s relationships with women are a central theme. From his childhood crush on his cousin Naomi to his tumultuous marriage with his wife, Georgeanne, Joshua’s interactions with women shape his character and his journey. One of the most significant relationships is with his childhood friend and later lover, Rachel. Their relationship is complicated by their different backgrounds and social statuses, but their love for each other endures. Joshua’s relationships with women also highlight his struggles with commitment and his fear of being tied down. As he navigates through his relationships, Joshua learns about himself and what he truly wants in life.
Joshua’s Relationship with his Father
Joshua’s relationship with his father is a complex one that evolves throughout the novel. At the beginning of the story, Joshua idolizes his father and sees him as a hero. However, as he grows older and begins to understand his father’s flaws and mistakes, their relationship becomes strained. Joshua’s father, a successful lawyer, is often absent from his son’s life and prioritizes his career over his family. This leads to feelings of abandonment and resentment from Joshua. Despite this, Joshua still seeks his father’s approval and validation, which he never fully receives. As the novel progresses, Joshua begins to see his father as a flawed human being rather than a perfect hero, and their relationship becomes more honest and authentic. Ultimately, Joshua comes to terms with his father’s shortcomings and learns to appreciate him for who he is, rather than who he wanted him to be.
Joshua’s Relationship with his Jewish Identity
Throughout the novel, Joshua’s relationship with his Jewish identity is a recurring theme. As a child, he attends Hebrew school and observes Jewish traditions with his family. However, as he grows older and becomes more assimilated into Canadian society, he begins to distance himself from his Jewish roots. He changes his name from Yehoshua to Joshua and even marries a non-Jewish woman.
Despite this, Joshua’s Jewish identity remains an important part of his life. He continues to have a close relationship with his Jewish family and friends, and he is deeply affected by the Holocaust and the persecution of Jews around the world. In one poignant scene, he attends a Yom Kippur service and is moved to tears by the prayers and the memories they evoke.
Overall, Joshua’s relationship with his Jewish identity is complex and evolving. While he may not always adhere to traditional Jewish practices, his heritage remains an integral part of his identity and shapes his worldview.
Joshua’s Struggle with Addiction
Joshua Then and Now (1980) by Mordecai Richler is a novel that explores the life of Joshua Shapiro, a Jewish-Canadian writer who struggles with addiction throughout his life. Joshua’s addiction to drugs and alcohol is a central theme in the novel, and it is a struggle that he battles with throughout his life.
From a young age, Joshua is exposed to drugs and alcohol, and he quickly becomes addicted. His addiction leads him down a dark path, and he finds himself in trouble with the law on multiple occasions. Despite his struggles, Joshua is a talented writer, and he uses his writing as a way to cope with his addiction.
Throughout the novel, Joshua’s addiction is a constant presence, and it affects every aspect of his life. He struggles to maintain relationships with his family and friends, and he finds it difficult to hold down a job. Despite his struggles, Joshua is determined to overcome his addiction, and he seeks help from various sources.
Overall, Joshua’s struggle with addiction is a powerful theme in Joshua Then and Now. It is a reminder of the devastating effects that addiction can have on a person’s life, and it highlights the importance of seeking help and support when struggling with addiction.
Joshua’s Return to Montreal and Reflection on his Life
After years of living in England, Joshua returns to his hometown of Montreal, where he is forced to confront the ghosts of his past. As he reconnects with old friends and family members, he begins to reflect on the choices he has made throughout his life and the impact they have had on those around him. Despite his successes as a writer and his comfortable life in London, Joshua realizes that he has been running away from his problems rather than facing them head-on. Through his journey of self-discovery, he learns to take responsibility for his actions and to appreciate the people and places that have shaped him into the person he is today. As he comes to terms with his past and embraces his present, Joshua finds a sense of peace and fulfillment that he never thought possible.
Themes of Identity and Belonging in ‘Joshua Then and Now’
Mordecai Richler’s ‘Joshua Then and Now’ explores the themes of identity and belonging through the character of Joshua Shapiro. As a child, Joshua struggles to fit in with his Jewish community in Montreal, feeling like an outsider due to his father’s non-religious beliefs and his own rebellious nature. As he grows older and moves to England, Joshua continues to grapple with his identity, feeling disconnected from both his Jewish heritage and the English culture he is surrounded by.
Throughout the novel, Joshua’s search for belonging is intertwined with his search for his own identity. He tries on different personas, from a rebellious teenager to a successful writer, but ultimately realizes that he cannot escape his Jewish roots and the impact they have had on his life.
Richler also explores the idea of belonging to a family, as Joshua’s relationships with his parents and siblings are strained and complicated. His father’s infidelity and his mother’s mental illness leave Joshua feeling disconnected from his family, and he struggles to reconcile his love for them with the pain they have caused him.
Overall, ‘Joshua Then and Now’ is a complex exploration of the themes of identity and belonging, as Joshua navigates his way through different cultures and relationships in search of a place to call home.
The Role of Satire in ‘Joshua Then and Now’
Satire plays a significant role in Mordecai Richler’s ‘Joshua Then and Now.’ The novel is a satirical take on the life of Joshua Shapiro, a Jewish-Canadian writer, and his journey from childhood to adulthood. Richler uses satire to criticize various aspects of Canadian society, including politics, religion, and culture. The novel’s satirical tone is evident from the beginning, where Richler pokes fun at the Jewish community’s obsession with money and success. Throughout the novel, Richler uses satire to highlight the absurdity of certain social norms and values, such as the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the importance placed on material possessions. The use of satire in ‘Joshua Then and Now’ adds a layer of humor and irony to the story, making it an entertaining and thought-provoking read.
The Significance of the Title ‘Joshua Then and Now’
The title of Mordecai Richler’s novel, “Joshua Then and Now,” holds significant meaning in understanding the evolution of the protagonist, Joshua Shapiro. The use of “then” and “now” suggests a comparison between two different periods in Joshua’s life, highlighting the changes he has undergone. The title also implies a sense of reflection and introspection, as Joshua looks back on his past and evaluates his present. Overall, the title sets the tone for a novel that explores the complexities of identity, memory, and personal growth.
Comparing ‘Joshua Then and Now’ to Richler’s Other Works
Mordecai Richler’s ‘Joshua Then and Now’ (1980) is a unique work in the author’s oeuvre. While it shares some similarities with his other works, such as his use of humor and his exploration of Jewish identity, it also stands out for its focus on the character of Joshua Shapiro and its examination of his personal growth and evolution over time. In comparison to Richler’s other works, such as ‘The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz’ and ‘Barney’s Version’, ‘Joshua Then and Now’ is a more introspective and character-driven novel. It is a testament to Richler’s versatility as a writer that he was able to create such a nuanced and complex character in Joshua, and to explore his development in such a thoughtful and engaging way.
Analysis of the Writing Style and Structure of ‘Joshua Then and Now’
Mordecai Richler’s writing style in “Joshua Then and Now” is characterized by a witty and satirical tone, which is evident throughout the novel. The author employs a unique blend of humor and seriousness to explore the themes of identity, family, and the search for meaning in life.
The structure of the novel is also noteworthy, as it is divided into two parts: “Then” and “Now.” The first part focuses on Joshua’s childhood and adolescence in Montreal, while the second part follows his adult life in London and New York. This structure allows the reader to see the evolution of Joshua’s character and the impact of his upbringing on his adult life.
Richler’s use of flashbacks and non-linear storytelling also adds depth to the narrative, as the reader is given glimpses into Joshua’s past and the events that shaped him. The author’s attention to detail and vivid descriptions of the settings and characters further enhance the reading experience.
Overall, Richler’s writing style and structure in “Joshua Then and Now” contribute to a thought-provoking and entertaining novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and the search for self-identity.
Impact of ‘Joshua Then and Now’ on Canadian Literature
Mordecai Richler’s ‘Joshua Then and Now’ has had a significant impact on Canadian literature since its publication in 1980. The novel explores the life of Joshua Shapiro, a successful writer who reflects on his past and present experiences. Richler’s use of satire and humor in the novel has been praised for its ability to capture the essence of Canadian culture and society. The novel also addresses important themes such as identity, family, and the immigrant experience, which have become central to Canadian literature. ‘Joshua Then and Now’ has been recognized as a seminal work in Canadian literature and has influenced many writers who have followed in Richler’s footsteps. Its impact on Canadian literature is undeniable, and it continues to be a beloved and celebrated work in the canon of Canadian literature.
Reception of ‘Joshua Then and Now’ by Critics and Readers
Mordecai Richler’s ‘Joshua Then and Now’ was met with mixed reviews from both critics and readers. While some praised the novel for its witty humor and complex characters, others criticized it for its meandering plot and lack of clear direction. Some readers found the book to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane, while others felt that it failed to capture the essence of the time period in which it was set. Despite these differing opinions, ‘Joshua Then and Now’ remains a beloved classic of Canadian literature, and continues to be read and discussed by readers and scholars alike.
Adaptations of ‘Joshua Then and Now’ for Film and Television
Mordecai Richler’s novel “Joshua Then and Now” has been adapted for both film and television. In 1985, a film adaptation was released, directed by Ted Kotcheff and starring James Woods as the adult Joshua. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Woods’ performance but criticizing the adaptation for not capturing the depth and complexity of the novel.
In 2014, a television adaptation was produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), starring Tom Jackson as the older Joshua and Dylan Everett as the younger Joshua. The series received positive reviews, with critics praising the performances and the faithful adaptation of the novel’s themes and characters.
Both adaptations faced the challenge of condensing the novel’s sprawling narrative and complex characters into a more streamlined format. However, the television series was able to delve deeper into the novel’s themes of identity, family, and the search for meaning in a changing world.
Overall, the adaptations of “Joshua Then and Now” demonstrate the enduring appeal of Richler’s novel and its ability to resonate with audiences across different mediums.