Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English

By: Natasha Solomons

Narrated by: James Adams

At the start of World War II, Jack and Sadie Rosenblum flee Berlin for London with their baby daughter, Elizabeth. Upon arrival, Jack receives a pamphlet from the German Jewish Aid Committee on how to act like a proper Englishman. He follows it to the letter - Saville Row suits, the BBC, trips to Covent Garden, a Jaguar - and it works like a charm. The Rosenblums settle into a prosperous new life.

Just one item on the list eludes him: An Englishman must be a member of a golf course. No golf course in England at the time will admit a Jew. But the list is now the guiding document in Jack's life, and he must check off the final item. So he decides to build his own golf club in the Dorset countryside. For the second time, Sadie leaves a home she loves. And despite ancient customs, British snobbery, mythical beasts, and a shrinking bank account, they triumph once again.

©2010 Natasha Solomons (P)2010 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"Utterly charming and very funny." (Paul Torday, author of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen)

Loved it!

This is such a beautiful, poignant story. It’s gentle but full of hope and longing and grief, all set to a beautiful west country back drop. Thoroughly recommend.

Different take on immigration, but delivery flawed

Would you consider the audio edition of Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English to be better than the print version?

No, I’d prefer to have read the book. The narrator has a lovely British accent but delivers all lies in the same voice and does not know how to pronounce any of the non English words or phrases. These shortcomings seriously detract from the audio book.

What did you like best about this story?

The story has a charming if unbelieveable aspect.

What didn’t you like about James Adams’s performance?

Prounouciation errors and lack of ability to read in any but his own voice.

Who was the most memorable character of Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English and why?

Sadie Rosemblum, she seemed the most real and the most clearly drawn.

Delightful Story!

This is such a fun story to listen to. It is read so beautifully. you can't help but fall in love with the quaint characters

Delightful!!

So much fun. Great British humor on every page. Different from same old plot, characters, etc.

Heartfelt humor

Loved getting to know Jack and Sadie and the English ways. Laughed out loud and cry at these two flawed humans.