Book of the Month is here!

[Jewish Literary Foundation]

2 August, 2026


** SUMMER READING AND AUTUMN EVENTS
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Whether you're looking for the perfect summer read, a fascinating online conversation or something special to look forward to this autumn, we've got plenty to inspire you over the coming months.

http://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/events/reading-retreat-with-howard-jacobson


** THINKING ABOUT JOINING US?
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A Literary Escape with Howard Jacobson

5–7 October 2026 | The Queensberry Hotel, Bath

Three days. One beautiful city. Great books, thoughtful conversation, and an unforgettable evening with Howard Jacobson.

If you've ever wished Jewish Book Week could slow down, this is your chance.

Join a small group of readers for an intimate literary retreat in the elegant surroundings of Bath. Over three days you'll explore the great tradition of British Jewish writing through lively discussion, shared reading and conversation, led by poet and literary scholar Aviva Dautch, with plenty of time to relax, wander the city, and simply enjoy being immersed in books.

The highlight of the retreat is an exclusive evening with Howard Jacobson, including a hosted dinner and the chance to hear him speak about his work, his latest novel Howl, and a lifetime of writing.

Your stay includes two nights at the award-winning Queensberry Hotel, breakfast each morning, literary seminars, a private walking tour of Bath, and carefully selected reading materials to continue the conversations long after you return home.

Whether you come with a friend or on your own, you'll find yourself among fellow readers who enjoy books, ideas and thoughtful company.

Places are strictly limited to ensure an intimate experience.

>From £599 per person.
BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY (http://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/events/reading-retreat-with-howard-jacobson)

https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/book-of-the-month-july-2026


** AUGUST BOOK OF THE MONTH:
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** Vera, or Faith
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“Pull up a beach chair: The book of the summer is here. . . . A poignant Harriet the Spy–esque delight.”

This month’s pick is the perfect summer reading - a poignant and bitterly funny tale of a family struggling to stay together in a country rapidly coming apart, told through the eyes of their wondrous ten-year-old daughter, by the bestselling author of Super Sad True Love Story and Our Country Friends.

Fancy having a read?

Head to our Book of the Month page to read the first chapter, along with an exclusive discount and a dedicated note from the author. As Gary Shteyngart says:

“I think it’s my most heartfelt work but, to use Jewish idioms, not too schmaltzy. Just the right of level of schmaltz, I hope.”

And what’s more, you can listen to Gary speak at Jewish Book Week - simply scroll down to our JLF Player releases this week.
EXPLORE OUR PICK (https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/book-of-the-month-august-2026-vera-or-faith)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Frida Kahlo:

Artist, Lover, Icon, Activist

An online conversation with Hettie Judah

To accompany Tate Modern's Frida: The Making of an Icon, join writer and art historian Hettie Judah to explore a fascinating hidden story at the heart of the exhibition: the passionate ten-year relationship between Kahlo and photographer Nickolas Muray, born to a Jewish family in Hungary in 1892.

Hettie will consider how their affair inspired some of Kahlo's most important paintings, and how Muray - through his luminous colour portraits of her - contributed to her status as a global icon.

Free online event: 2 September, 6pm BST
FIND OUT MORE (https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/events/frida-kahlo-artist-lover-icon-activist)

Dealing with the Tragic in Life:

Mahler, Judaism and Beyond

A special event in partnership with Fidelio and the Barbican, in November we’ll be hosting a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 6, along with a pre-concert conversation with Raffaello Morales, Edward Seckerson and Anthony Freud OBE.

Taking Mahler’s Sixth Symphony as a starting point, this discussion will explore how artists respond to suffering, whether tragedy can deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world, and why Mahler’s vision continues to resonate so strongly in our own uncertain times.

A conversation and performance at Milton Court Concert Hall, The Barbican, Sunday 8 November
BOOK NOW (https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/events/dealing-with-the-tragic-in-life-mahler-judaism-and-beyond)


** JLF PLAYER:
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** NEW THIS WEEK
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Watch this week’s new releases for free on our JLF Video Player, spotlighting the best of Jewish Book Week over the years.
https://www.jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk
Gary Shteyngart: Little Failures (https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/videos/gary-shteyngart-little-failures)
Janet Suzman: A Life in Focus (https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/videos/janet-suzman-a-life-in-focus)
The West, the Jews & a Broken Promise (https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/videos/the-west-the-jews-a-broken-promise)
BROWSE THE PLAYER (https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/jlf-player)

EXPLORE THE JEWISH LITERARY FOUNDATION (https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/)
FIND OUT MORE (https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/events/frida-kahlo-artist-lover-icon-activist)
https://facebook.com/jewishliteraryfoundation
https://twitter.com/jlfbookweek
https://www.instagram.com/jlfbookweek
https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/

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