Joseph Kertes

Joseph Kertes is a Hungarian-Canadian author and educator known for writing novels that explore themes of Jewish identity, family history, and the impact of World War II. He was born in Hungary in 1951 and came to Canada as a child refugee during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. His most acclaimed works include "Gratitude" (2008), which won a Canadian Jewish Book Award and the U.S. National Jewish Book Award for Fiction, and "The Afterlife of Stars" (2014). These novels draw heavily on his family's experiences during the Holocaust and their subsequent flight from Hungary. Kertes founded the creative writing and comedy programs at Humber College in Toronto, where he served as Dean of Creative and Performing Arts until 2012. He received the Harbourfront Festival Prize in recognition of his contributions to the literary community. In addition to his novels, Kertes has written works of humor, including "Winter Tulips" and "Board Game." His writing frequently combines elements of historical fiction with personal memoir, particularly focusing on the Jewish experience in twentieth-century Europe.

Readers appreciate Kertes' ability to blend historical events with personal narratives, particularly in "Gratitude" and "The Afterlife of Stars." Reviews highlight his portrayal of Jewish families during wartime and communist Hungary. Readers praise: - Complex character relationships and family dynamics - Balance of humor within serious subject matter - Historical accuracy and research - Vivid descriptions of Budapest Common criticisms: - Pacing issues, especially in early chapters - Some dialogue feels unnatural - Plot threads left unresolved Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Gratitude" - 3.8/5 (517 ratings) "The Afterlife of Stars" - 3.7/5 (284 ratings) Amazon: "Gratitude" - 4.1/5 (38 reviews) "The Afterlife of Stars" - 4.0/5 (25 reviews) One reader noted: "His characters feel real - flawed but deeply human." Another commented: "The narrative lost momentum in places but the ending delivered."

Gratitude (2009) A Hungarian Jewish athlete travels through Nazi-occupied Europe in 1944 to compete in a water polo tournament, while attempting to save his family from deportation.

The Afterlife of Stars (2014) Two Hungarian Jewish brothers flee Budapest during the 1956 revolution and embark on a journey across Europe while uncovering family secrets.

Winter Tulips (1994) A Holocaust survivor in Toronto struggles with memories of the past while attempting to build a new life in Canada.

The Red Corduroy Shirt (1987) A coming-of-age story set in 1950s Toronto following a young Hungarian immigrant boy adjusting to life in Canada.