Allison Epstein on Taking on One of Literature’s Most Notoriously Antisemitic Characters

Long before Oliver Twist stumbled onto the scene, Jacob Fagin was scratching out a life for himself in the dark alleys of nineteenth-century London. Born in the Jewish enclave of Stepney shortly after his father was executed as a thief, Jacob’s whole world is his open-minded mother, Leah. But Jacob’s prospects are forever altered when a light-fingered pickpocket takes Jacob under his wing and teaches him a trade that pays far better than the neighborhood boys could possibly dream. Fagin the Thief is a thrilling reimagining of the world of Charles Dickens, as seen through the eyes of the infamous Jacob Fagin. Colorfully written and wickedly funny, Allison Epstein breathes fresh life into the teeming streets of Dickensian London–reclaiming one of Victorian literature’s most notorious Jewish caricatures. In our conversation, we’ll discuss growing up in a mixed-faith household, finding truth in horror fiction, and writing more diverse historical fiction. We also delve into the incredible coda to Dickens’ antisemitic depiction and how he attempted to account for his caricature of a Jew. Allison Epstein’s Five Books: 1. The Carp in the Bathtub, by Barbara Cohen 2. The Golem and the Jinni, by Helene Wecker 3. Her Body and Other Parties, by Carmen Maria Machado 4. Hungerstone, by Kat Dunn 5. Fagin the Thief, by Allison Epstein The Five Books is a podcast that celebrates the role of books in Jewish culture. Through author interviews, we delve into Jewish identity and discover each author’s favorite novels. Join us every week for new Jewish book recommendations! Some of our episodes have included conversations with Yehuda Kurtzer (host of Identity/Crisis), Yael Van Der Wouden (author of The Safekeep), and Dara Horn (author of People Love Dead Jews.) Find us on Instagram @fivebookspod or on Facebook at The Five Books Podcast For feedback or author recommendations please email us at team@fivebookspod.org For transcripts etc find us online at www.fivebookspod.org The Five Books has the advisory and promotional support of the Jewish Book Council. Jewish Book Council is a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying and celebrating Jewish literature and supporting authors and readers. Stay up to date on the latest in Jewish literature! https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/events/celebrate The Five Books is fiscally sponsored by FJC, a 501c3 public charity. Hosted by Tali Rosenblatt Cohen Produced by Odelia Rubin Editorial and website support by Sarah Waring Artwork by Dena Friedman Music by Dov Rosenblatt and Blue Dot Sessions.