When We Were Bad

When We Were Bad
AuthorCharlotte Mendelson
LanguageEnglish
GenreLiterary fiction
PublisherHoughton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication date
13 August, 2007
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Pages366
ISBN978-0-618-88343-1

When We Were Bad is a novel by British author Charlotte Mendelson, published in 2007 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Mendelson's third novel, it was shortlisted for the 2008 Women's Prize for Fiction.

Summary

The story follows a Jewish family led by a female rabbi. Although the family appears perfect to outsiders, each family member hides a secret.

Reception

When We Were Bad received mostly positive reviews from critics. Writing in The Guardian, Viv Groskop said the book was "as intelligent as it is funny" and praised the plot structure and characters.[1]

Kirkus Reviews praised the novel's "astute, affectionately mocking prose" and "wicked but merciful intelligence".[2]

The Jewish Book Council called the book "a good read" but said it was sometimes overwritten.[3]

Awards

In 2008, When We Were Bad was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction.[4]

References

  1. ^ Groskop, Viv (May 13, 2007). "Don't get me to the church on time". The Guardian. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  2. ^ "The Outcast, by Sadie Jones". Kirkus Reviews. June 15, 2007. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  3. ^ Metsch, Penny (November 14, 2011). "When We Were Bad". Jewish Book Council. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  4. ^ "Charlotte Mendelson". Women's Prize for Fiction. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.