The Family Tree

"The Family Tree," by Margo Glantz, is a wonderful book by a Jewish writer of Mexico. Although the jacket of the book describes "Family Tree" as a "novel," the book in fact seems to incorporate elements of family history, ethnic history, and autobiography. It is primarily written in the form of a conversation between the author/narrator and her parents, a Jewish couple who emigrated from the Ukraine to Mexico. The book has been translated into a very readable English by Susan Bassnett, and contains many delightful family photographs."The Family Tree" offers the reader a fascinating window into the lives of the Jewish immigrant community in Mexico. Glantz includes many fascinating anecdotes, such as being treated for head lice as a child, or being temporarily "converted" to Christianity by her neighbors. Her parents also recall the threat of anti-Semitic violence in both Europe and Mexico. Also, the book is peppered with interesting pop culture references: Flash Gordon, Greta Garbo, King Kong, Don Ameche, etc.I was most fascinated, however, by the parents' recollections of the Yiddish literary and theater scene in Mexico. These portions of the book underscore the importance of Yiddish as a Jewish cultural language. Overall, "The Family Tree" is a wonderful book, rich in tragedy, humor, and history.