Everybody Has Somebody
in Heaven by Avram Davidson
Essential Jewish Tales of the Spirit
(Edited by Grania Davidson Davis and Jack Dann)
Pitspopany Press/Devora Publishing - November 2000
ISBN 1930143109 Hardbound
Literary Fiction/short story anthology
Reviewed by Beverly
J. Rowe, MyShelf.com
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a Copy
Avram Davidson was better
known for his science fiction, but he also wrote a considerable amount
for Jewish journals that were more autobiographical vignettes than short
stories. The first part of this book is a collection of these pieces dating
from his experiences during World War II to his death in 1993, with an
editorial introduction and history of each short story.
The second part of this
book is a Symposium of science fiction and fantasy writers paying tribute
to the great man. Jack Dann, Peter S. Beagle and Barry Maltzberg, along
with other writers each relate their own tale of remembrance for Davidson.
He was an eccentric
man who never strayed far from his Jewish roots, and the third section
is a collection of his later writings that have a strong religious theme.
He was able to chronicle
the smells and sounds of the times with his brilliant writing skill and
the rich details he was famous for. His use of many words that are rooted
in Hebrew adds Jewish flavor to all his stories. Davidson's stories are
wonderful, hard to put down reading adventures, even if you aren't Jewish.
It isn't a high-tension book, but after reading it, I will really have
to look up some of his other works. I think I have become a fan.
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