Furman (English, Florida Atlantic University and associate editor of ) explores the ambivalent relationship between multiculturalists and contemporary Jewish American literature, advocating a more inclusive and intellectually valid form than is currently practiced. He also offers an historical overview of Jewish American fiction, and considers topics like the viability of adopting an Orthodox or Hasidic life amid a secular America, the renewed interest in the Yiddish world of pre-Holocaust Europe, Israel, Jewish feminism, and the Holocaust as perceived by the children of its survivors. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)