Suddenly Jewish: The Life and Times of My Jewish Mother excels on two counts: as a lively and penetrating story of Joan Moran’s mother – a young girl who hides her Jewish identity at an early age; and as a vital social and historical slice of immigration, assimilation, and tradition. It is also a wonderful historic telling of the ‘20s, ‘30s, and ‘40s in America and the rise of antisemitism and fascism as seen through the eyes of Esther Lanch, Joan’s mother. The story takes place primarily in the Jewish District of San Francisco, the Fillmore, a district of immigrants intermingling but still separated by rapidly growing population of Irish, Japanese, and Chinese. Japanese – all participating in its development and promise.

Esther changes her name to Estelle and grows into a successful woman. She marries an Irish Catholic from the Mission District, fully determined not to be identified as the “other.” The particulars of the lives of Joan’s family over 4 generations (full of surprises, drama, tragedy and comedy) are beautifully rendered. Every American would benefit from reading Joan’s book. And it’s a delight to read!

— david boucher, editor (retired)