Being Jewish in 1930s Europe: Albert Cohen’s masterpiece “Belle du Seigneur”

Set in the milieu of international diplomacy in Geneva, Albert Cohen’s extraordinary novel “Belle du Seigneur” (1968), follows the amorous adventure of its Jewish hero Solal Solal as he seduces (initially perhaps in an act of revenge) a Calvinist aristocrat. Cohen’s novel is witty, passionate, entertaining in a high style. It is also asks us to examine the pervasiveness of antisemitism in interwar Europe. Germany’s war on the Jews succeeded, because of Europe’s indifference to the Jews. Solal is a revenger before he is trapped.

In this course, taught by Dr. Susanne Klingenstein (Harvard), we will undertake a close-reading of Cohen’s challenging work. Participants read 75 pages in preparation of each of the twelve sessions. All sessions are devoted to close analysis and discussion. The English title of Cohen’s novel is “Her Lover”. Please read chapters 1-5 for the first session on May 30.

All dates: May 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 5, 11, Aug 15, 22, 29, Sep 5, 12 

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