Mr Rosenblum's List - Natasha Solomons

Mr Rosenblum's List
Natasha Solomons

Jack and Sadie Rosenblum escape Hitler's Germany and land on the shores of England knowing know one, with very little money and heartsick at having left their loved ones behind. Desperate to regain a sense of belonging Jack immerses himself in becoming a proper English Gentleman, much to his wife's irritation. He follows the guidelines on manners, customs and habits of his new home as set out in the 'helpful list' for immigrants. Overtime he adds to the list his own observations, until he reaches his last point: English Gentlemen play golf.

After repeated requests to join various golf courses are rejected, Jack decides to build his own. Selling their home in London and moving to Dorset, Jack throws himself full heartily into building his golf course. Meanwhile Sadie spends her days remembering her lost family by baking towering cakes that taste of sadness and tending to her rose garden.



Filled with a cast of ecentric characters Mr Rosenblum's List is a quaint tale that leaves the reader with a warm feeling in the stomach and a breezy smile. I liked the idea that for all of us in exile there are corners in the world where we can regain our sense of belonging.