David Golder
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David Golder is the first published novel of writer Irene Nemirovsky. It was recently re- issued following the popularity of the newly discovered masterpiece "Suite Francais", written by Nemirovsky whilst in hiding in France during the Second World War.
David Golder was published in France in 1929 and won instant acclaim for the 26 year old Nemirovsky.
PLOT
The novel opens with Golder refusing to help his colleague of many years, Marcus. As a result of this, Marcus, bankrupt, commits suicide. Following the funeral, Golder travels to Biarritz where he has a huge, opulent house. His wife and daughter reside there in luxury, spending Golder's cash like water. On the train, he suffers a heart attack. Seriously ill, he is forced to re- evaluate his life.
THEMES
David Golder is a self made man. From humble beginnings as a Jew in the Ukraine selling rags, he is now a cold, ruthless businessman. It is suggested by his wife, Gloria, that Marcus is not the only casualty of Golder's brutal dealings. However he has an Achilles heel, well hidden: his feckless daughter, Joyce. It is this weakness that eventually ruins him. Now sixty-eight and dying, he realises that his wealth has not brought him happiness; simply a grim satisfaction that, as "a good Jew" he has provided for his uncaring family. Gloria and Joyce are portrayed as grasping and selfish, speaking only to Golder when they need more money for jewellery, furs, cars and cash for their lovers.
OVERVIEW
The novel is an astonishing portrayal of a businessman and his family in the years leading up to the Great Depression. It also introduces characters of great depth, like Soifer, the old German Jew who "walks on tiptoe" to save shoe leather; he is Golder's only connection with the old world from which he himself came. His wife, Gloria, (Havke, her Yiddish name) is as beautiful, cold and hard as the jewels she so treasures. But it is Joyce, Golder's eighteen year old daughter, who is central to the story. It is she who ultimately causes his ruin.
