TL;DR
A young man, Daniel Isaacson, grapples with the legacy of his parents who were executed as spies, blending memoir, investigation, and judgment in a search for understanding and justice.
What is The Book of Daniel about
'The Book of Daniel' by E.L. Doctorow is a novel that explores the intricate and painful legacy of Daniel Isaacson, whose parents were executed for allegedly conspiring to steal atomic secrets for Russia. The narrative spans a quarter-century of American political and social history, delving into Daniel's struggle to reconcile his past with his present life. Through a blend of memoir, investigation, and judgment, Daniel examines intimate relationships, radicalism, and the political climate that shaped his family's tragedy, offering a profound commentary on guilt, innocence, and the human condition.
The Book of Daniel 8 Key Takeaways
Daniel's Parents' Execution
Daniel's parents were executed for allegedly stealing atomic secrets for Russia, a trauma that profoundly affects him and his sister, Susan.
Struggles with Identity
Daniel grapples with his identity and the legacy of his parents while trying to build a life of his own, including marriage and a career in scholarship.
Memoir and Confession
Daniel writes a memoir that serves as a confession of his intimate relationships and memories, revealing his ongoing struggle with his past.
Investigation and Research
Daniel conducts interviews and researches in libraries to understand the truth about his parents’ case and the broader political context.
Judgment and Reflection
The book involves Daniel's judgments on everyone involved in his parents' case, offering a critical perspective on the legal and political systems of the time.
Susan's Radicalism
Susan's radical actions and beliefs serve as a counterpoint to Daniel's internal conflict, highlighting the different ways they cope with their parents' legacy.
Historical and Political Context
The narrative spans post-World War II America, touching on immigrant culture, McCarthyism, and the political upheavals of the 1960s.
Themes of Guilt and Innocence
The novel explores complex themes of guilt, innocence, and the human condition within the context of Left politics and personal trauma.
Top The Book of Daniel Quotes
- 'Memory is the instrument of immortality.'
- 'Justice is not a natural part of the lifecycle of the United States, nor is it a product of some divine providence. It is a luxury.'
- 'The world is full of ghosts, and some of them are still people.'
Who should read The Book of Daniel?
This book is ideal for readers interested in historical fiction, political commentary, and psychological depth. It offers profound insights for those who appreciate complex narratives that intertwine personal trauma with broader socio-political themes.
The Book of Daniel Best Reviews
- 'A ferocious feat of the imagination. Every scene, every figure of The Book of Daniel is perfectly realized, and so movingly, that it was several days before I could shake off the emotional impact.' - The New York Times
- 'Doctorow’s novel is a rich, multi-layered work, blending historical and fictional elements to explore the depth of personal and political complexity.' - The Guardian
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The Book of Daniel FAQs
What is the main message of 'The Book of Daniel'?
The main message is the exploration of personal and political legacies, the nature of guilt and innocence, and the impact of historical events on individual lives.
Is 'The Book of Daniel' historically accurate?
While rooted in the historical context of the Rosenberg case, the novel blends historical facts with fiction to explore deeper psychological and social themes.
What genre is 'The Book of Daniel'?
The book is primarily a work of historical and political fiction, blending narrative storytelling with apocalyptic literature elements.