Queen Esther - Clifford Irving

 Queen Esther - Clifford Irving

Pub. Date: Nov. 4, 2025

He and She read

Viennese-born and Jewish, Esther Nacht is an orphan who lost her father during his emigration to the US and her mother to anti-Semites in Portland, Maine. Through St. Cloud’s orphanage in that state, she is accepted into the New Hampshire Winslow family to care for their youngest daughter. She remains always curious about her Jewish heritage and the meaning of being Jewish.  The focus of the story shifts to Jimmy Winslow, who continues the quest for identity and understanding.

Irving’s latest novel is a sprawling, wordy narrative with multiple storylines, some of which feel repetitive. There are timely topics here, along with some interesting characters and some not so interesting. Despite the shift in focus to Jimmy, the core of the story remains Esther’s, centered around Jewish identity and the pervasive issue of anti-Semitism. I particularly valued the historical perspective of the Israel/Palestine conflict.

Fans of Irving will recognize references to some of his earlier characters and familiar themes. There are readers who will find this book masterful; others may well find it tedious.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @SimonBooks for the DRC.

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