DNA, OR THE BOOK OF BRAD initially reads as an enjoyable, light-hearted comic-drama. The tempo is breezy and the humor laugh out loud funny; the funeral of Rose’s biological father, Rabbi Brad, is cringe-inducingly hilarious. However, to focus on the comedy would be doing the novel a disservice, as the story evolves into an insightful commentary on the nature of modern, blended families and religious identity. Rose’s parentage was a closed subject with her adoptive mother, Shaniqua, a devout Catholic. When Rose discovers that her biological father is Rabbi Brad Cohen, ‘Rabbi to the Stars’ and founder of Extremely Progressive Judaism, it throws her racial heritage and religious upbringing into upheaval.
However, Rabbi Brad dies in a car accident before Rose can met him and the novel is primarily concerned with Rose’s journey of acceptance of both herself and her new Jewish family, ably assisted by her partner, Dr. Paula Bernstein, a lapsed Jew. Rose’s revelations also lead Paula to confront her own issues within the Jewish faith and these scenes are written with considered depth. The story opens with Rabbi Brad shortly before he is killed. He is portrayed as an amoral and superficial man who is the opposite of his own devout father, Rabbi Shmuel Cohen. Rabbi Brad appears to have been serially unfaithful to his wife, Saragail, and disengaged from his son, Jacob, who has very little purpose or focus in life. At the beginning of each chapter, Ms. Bauer gives the reader an excerpt from one of Rabbi Brad’s books. What begin as amusing and irreverent asides develop into profound sentiments on family dynamics. It’s a clever technique, anchoring the rapid fire, observational comedy and briefly moderating the quick pace. These bite-size philosophies are nicely in tune with the narrative events as they occur. It also posthumously develops Brad as more than a shallow, entertainment Rabbi. The reader begins DNA, OR THE BOOK OF BRAD glad that Rose did not get to meet him, but ends the novel wishing that she had.
DNA, OR THE BOOK OF BRAD gives the reader a number of twists which are nicely balanced, although the side plot involving Vicky Kim, could be viewed as unnecessary. The decision taken by Paula toward the end of the novel slightly jars against the overall feel and message of the book but is understandable. Some of the characters are caricaturized but this is be anticipated within the genre and it works well; Terry the Tracker is especially entertaining. The lightweight individuals provide good foil for the more serious portrayals, such as Rabbi Shmuel and Paula, who are both depicted with empathy. Rose is a touch self-indulgent, but she does have to process a succession of life-changing revelations so her introspection is to be expected.
DNA, OR THE BOOK OF BRAD is a funny, engaging and confidently written book that develops into a warm and touching tribute to family values.
~Rose Auburn for IndieReader