Moving Kings

Moving Kings follows David King, the owner of a moving and evictions company in New York, as he offers employment to his young Israeli cousin Yoav after his mandatory IDF service. Yoav arrives with his friend Uri, and both former soldiers begin working as movers in King's operation. The narrative tracks their transition from military life in Israel to civilian work in America, where they find themselves participating in housing evictions across New York City. Their new roles force them to confront questions about power, displacement, and the similarities between their past military duties and current civilian work. The novel examines the connections between different forms of displacement - from military operations to urban housing evictions. Through its parallel storylines and character perspectives, Moving Kings explores themes of belonging, power structures, and the ways past experiences shape present actions.

Readers note Cohen's sharp observations about power dynamics and displacement, with several highlighting the parallel narratives between Israeli military service and American housing evictions. Common praise focuses on the prose style, which readers describe as "dense but rewarding" and "intellectually challenging." Multiple reviews mention the authenticity of the veterans' experiences and NYC real estate dealings. Main criticisms center on pacing issues, particularly in the first third. Some readers found the narrative structure disjointed and characters underdeveloped. Several reviews mention difficulty connecting with the protagonists. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (50+ reviews) LibraryThing: 3.6/5 (40+ ratings) A common reader note: "This book requires patience and close reading but rewards the effort." Multiple reviews compare the writing style to Don DeLillo and Thomas Pynchon, though some find it "trying too hard to be literary."

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🏠 The novel draws parallels between Israeli soldiers and American housing eviction workers, exploring themes of displacement and power across different contexts. 📚 Author Joshua Cohen wrote this book partly inspired by his own experience working for his family's moving business in New Jersey. 🔎 The story's protagonist, David King, is loosely based on Donald Trump's early career in New York real estate, though the novel was written before Trump's presidency. 🌟 Moving Kings was named one of the Best Books of 2017 by Vulture, Kirkus Reviews, and Electric Literature. 🗽 The book's depiction of post-9/11 New York City incorporates real demographic shifts and gentrification patterns that transformed many neighborhoods during this period.