Review of Old Truths and New Clichés

Two versions: which one is better?

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Greetings!

My review of this book has just appeared in Teach Secondary magazine. However, the edited version, and the copy I submitted, are quite different. Not substantively so, but in my opinion the published copy lacks some of the nuance I injected into it. I should have preferred a discussion with the editor about this, but still. There is a word limit of 150, and although my copy was 150 words, perhaps that played a part in the transformation.

I’m publishing both versions here, and I invite you to say which one you prefer — and why. Please note that this isn’t some backhanded way to elicit compliments. If you prefer the published version to the one I sent in, do say so! But please give reasons for your choice if you can.

Thanks.

Published version

Isaac Balshevis Singer was an acclaimed Noble Prize-winning writer best known for his fiction. In this collection of previously unpublished essays we discover that despite passing away nearly 30 years ago, his ruminations on censorship in literature, the use of profanity and roles of writer and journalist still have a compelling relevance to our own time. He even touches on the development of computers that will one day write literature for us. There’s also extensive discussion of Singer’s Judaism and his thoughts on the place of Yiddish, having largely written in his books in Yiddish prior to them being translated into English. His unique perspective spans an impressive range of issues, and there’s much here that English and RE teachers could discuss with their students. Even if you disagree with his views, Singer’s writing is enjoyable in itself.

My original version

It is bordering on the preposterous to think that a writer best known for his fiction, and who died nearly thirty years ago, has anything relevant to say to us today. Yet in this previously unpublished collection of essays Singer discusses censorship in literature, the use – and overuse – of profanity, the role of the writer and the journalist, and even the development of computers that will write literature for us. Singer also discusses Jewish themes, and the place of Yiddish. As a writer who straddled both cultures – Singer wrote in Yiddish and often translated his work into English – he gives a unique perspective on a range of issues. There is much here that English and RE teachers could discuss with their students. Even if you disagree with his views, Singer’s writing is enjoyable in itself – as you might expect from a Nobel Laureate.