The Books of Jacob

Analyze the relationship between Christianity and Judaism in the novel. In what ways do the two religions mirror or undermine one another in The Books of Jacob? How does Jacob’s exercise of religious authority over his followers compare or contrast with that exercised by the Christian church in the novel?

Jacob and his followers become shape-shifters in terms of their identity, changing locations, names, and even formal religious affiliations at will in reaction to changing circumstances. What is the role of identity in the novel? How do different conceptions of identity reflect or undermine social, religious, and/or political hierarchies?

Consider the figure of Yente. What role does she play in the novel? How do her experiences and characterization function thematically, narratively, and/or symbolically in the text?

What different forms of faith exist in the novel? How do these differing conceptions and experiences of faith compare and contrast with one another?

Jacob’s relationships with women are a source of controversy for his critics and even some of his followers. How are gender dynamics depicted within Jacob’s religious community, and in the novel more generally? What roles do the female characters play, and what is their wider significance?

Alongside Jacob’s followers’ religious fervor, other forms of authority and knowledge exist within the novel. What are these other sources of authority and/or knowledge? How do they compete with the religious convictions of some of the characters? What are the limitations, if any, of these rival sources?

The Books of Jacob draws upon some real-life historical figures and events while also fictionalizing them. How do the novel’s structure and narrative approach reflect its thematic preoccupations? What are the thematic or symbolic connections between literature and history in The Books of Jacob?

Jacob’s own attitude toward his Messianic claims is left ambiguous throughout the novel. Does it matter whether Jacob sincerely believes in his claims? Why or why not? What role does Jacob’s sincerity (or lack thereof) play in matters of identity, faith, and/or interpersonal relationships?