Who's Sorry Now?

Marvin Kreitman and Charlie Merriweather lead contrasting lives in London. While Kreitman juggles multiple affairs and complications, Merriweather maintains a simple existence with his wife. Their chance meeting at a bookshop sets off a chain of events that disrupts both men's established patterns. The two form an unusual friendship that leads them to question their choices and lifestyles. The story traces the ripple effects of their relationship on their wives, lovers, and families across London. Their intertwined narratives expose the consequences of their actions and inactions. Through dark humor and sharp observation, the novel examines fidelity, desire, and the human tendency to seek what others have. The book challenges assumptions about happiness and contentment in modern relationships.

Readers note the book's dark humor and satirical take on relationships, though many found the protagonist Marvin Kreitman difficult to empathize with. Positives cited include Jacobson's sharp writing style, clever dialogue, and examination of male infidelity from multiple angles. Several reviews mentioned the authentic portrayal of Jewish culture in London. Common criticisms focused on the slow pacing, particularly in the middle sections. Multiple readers felt the female characters lacked depth. Some found the tone too cynical and the resolution unsatisfying. Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (126 ratings) Amazon UK: 3.5/5 (18 reviews) Amazon US: 3.3/5 (12 reviews) Sample reader comments: "Brilliant observations about marriage but hard to care about these characters" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much navel-gazing, not enough plot" - Amazon UK review "The wit saves it from being completely depressing" - Amazon US review

Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis A professor navigates academic life and romantic misadventures with the same blend of Jewish humor and social commentary found in Jacobson's work.

The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson This Man Booker Prize winner explores Jewish identity and male friendship through the lens of a non-Jewish man obsessed with Jewish culture.

Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth The protagonist's confessions to his psychoanalyst reveal complex relationships and Jewish identity issues in modern society.

The Final Solution by Michael Chabon This mystery novel combines elements of detection with meditations on aging and loss in post-war Britain.

The Act of Love by Howard Jacobson A London bookseller's obsession with his wife leads to a examination of marriage, desire, and self-deception.

🔖 "Who's Sorry Now?" was published in 2002 during a particularly prolific period in Howard Jacobson's writing career. 📚 The novel explores themes of Jewish identity and marital infidelity, two recurring subjects in much of Jacobson's work. 🏆 Howard Jacobson went on to win the prestigious Man Booker Prize in 2010 for his novel "The Finkler Question," becoming the first distinctly comic novel to win the award. 🎭 The book's title comes from a 1923 song made famous by Connie Francis in 1958, reflecting the novel's exploration of regret and consequences. 📖 The protagonist, Marvin Kreitman, is a classic Jacobson character type - a Jewish businessman struggling with his identity and relationships in contemporary London.