God Knows by joseph heller

100 reviews All reviews

NewSat3

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

I was just mentioning this book to my college roommate.

I read this book in my 20s. At that time, I was young and full of curiosity about the world.

Now, I'm currently 62 years old. Time has flown by, and I have experienced many things in life.

I told him that this is one of the books I look forward to re-reading in my retirement years.

This book is truly remarkable. It is not only witty but also wise.

The author's writing style is engaging, and the stories and ideas presented in the book have had a profound impact on me.

Re-reading this book in my retirement years will give me the opportunity to revisit those precious memories and gain new insights and perspectives.

I'm really looking forward to that moment when I can once again immerse myself in the wonderful world of this book.

0 0 Reply

Poochwastaken

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

Sheepherding, as King David in Joseph Heller's GOD KNOWS puts it, is dark and lonely work, much like cunnilingus. But someone has to take on this task.

Heller's David is indeed a Jew, with a Brooklyn accent and vocabulary, just like the author himself. In this comical masterpiece, he gets to tell his story in his own way, not God's.

"I've got the best story in the Bible," he proclaims. Regarding his son Solomon, he remarks, "The kid, they say, was born in a manger, but frankly I have my doubts."

This work is a hilarious send-up not only of religion but also of tradition, reverence for the past, and the reliability of narration. The real Heller once said, "I don't care if there's a God or not...not even if Ralph Nader came out with scientific proof of his existence."

Heller's irreverent and humorous take on religious and traditional themes makes GOD KNOWS a unique and engaging read that challenges our assumptions and makes us question the very nature of belief and storytelling.

0 0 Reply

Sagastrina

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

King David, as described in the Bible, on his deathbed, embarks on a journey of retelling the events of his life. His narration unfolds in a meandering and only vaguely chronological fashion. It's truly a fascinating account.

Heller manages to convince the reader that David has "the best story in the Bible." He masterfully fleshes out the character, making him as interesting as one would expect from a man who lived a full and eventful life. David loved passionately, wrote beautiful songs, endured tragic heartbreak, ruled a nation, and engaged in countless battles, killing innumerable thousands. The writing skillfully combines Mark-Twain-esque satirical criticism of the Bible with a genuine respect and fondness for the characters and the Jewish faith in general.

At the start, I was drawn in by the sardonic wit, but as I delved deeper, it tugged at my heartstrings. The pensive and somber ending left me with a profound sense of gravitas.

However, there are some criticisms. The occasional anachronism can be amusing, but it quickly becomes overdone. Generally, the book is quite long-winded, sometimes covering the same events multiple times. But this does add to the authenticity, making it feel like the deathbed ramblings of a long-lived man with a wealth of experiences to share, for better or worse.

Overall, this book is undoubtedly one of my favorites of the year. In fact, it's perhaps the only book I've read this year that made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions. I will definitely be adding it to my future "to read again" list.

0 0 Reply

we4btr4sh

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

Another book that made me feel sophisticated just for reading it was truly an interesting experience.

It had its own charm and appealed to me in certain ways. However, it didn't quite reach the level of my all-time favorite, Job: A Comedy of Justice.

The latter, in my opinion, was significantly funnier. The humor in it was so engaging that it kept me entertained from start to finish.

While the other book had its merits, it simply couldn't compare to the hilarity and wit that Heinlein's work brought.

Nonetheless, both books had their own unique qualities and contributed to my reading enjoyment in different ways.

0 0 Reply

WonderingZero

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

**"God Knows" by Joseph Heller: A Captivating and Thought-Provoking Read**

Joseph Heller's "God Knows" offers a unique and engaging perspective on the life of King David. The story begins with David reflecting on his life, his deeds, and his relationships. He shares his thoughts on sex, desire, war, power, God, and love. The chaotic nature of his narration, similar to that in Heller's famous "Catch-22", adds to the authenticity and charm of the book.

We learn about David's various experiences, such as his hatred for the designer of his harem, his joy at the death of his first wife, and his reasons for fighting on the side of the Philistines. The characters in the book, including David himself, are well-developed and complex. We see David's relationships with his sons, his wives, King Saul, and the prophet Samuel.

The book is written with irony and humor, but it also touches on serious themes such as sin, repentance, and the nature of God. Heller presents David as a tragic hero, a man who struggles with his own flaws and the consequences of his actions. The repeated refrain "God knows" emphasizes the idea that God is aware of all that David has done and is judging him.

Overall, "God Knows" is a highly recommended book. It offers a fresh look at a familiar biblical figure and makes us question our own beliefs and values. While the book does contain some vulgarity, it is not a major flaw and does not detract from the overall quality of the story. The ending is particularly powerful and leaves the reader with much to think about.

0 0 Reply

-FourDauntless-

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

I think the text could have been more concise. However, it was still a pleasant and engaging piece to read.

Despite its length, it managed to hold my attention and convey its message effectively.

The author's writing style was clear and easy to follow, which made the reading experience all the more enjoyable.

There were several interesting points raised in the article that made me think and consider different perspectives.

Overall, while it might not have been the shortest read, it was definitely worth the time and effort.

I would recommend it to others who are looking for an interesting and thought-provoking piece of writing.

0 0 Reply

Hassohappa

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

I have a natural inclination towards the Old Testament, with a particular fascination for King David.

I truly believe he is one of the most complex and captivating figures within the Bible.

His story is filled with drama, passion, and a tumultuous life.

However, after reading approximately the first 300 pages, his angst-ridden behavior and paranoia began to grate on me.

It seemed as if his constant emotional turmoil and unfounded fears were becoming a bit tiresome.

Despite my initial interest, this aspect of his character started to overshadow the other elements that had initially drawn me in.

Nevertheless, I still recognize the significance of his story and the impact it has had on religious and literary traditions.

Perhaps with further exploration, I will be able to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for King David, beyond his more irritating qualities.

0 0 Reply

mariadaisy

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

I had embarked on this book and then set it aside for an extended period.

Initially, I was under the impression that it was merely a restatement of certain books from the Old Testament. However, when I revisited it, I realized it was much more.

It was a satire, a parody, and a lampoon all rolled into one. The humor was delightfully tongue in cheek.

It provided a humorous take on the insanity of life and our attempts to make sense of it.

The author included some truly amusing sections where we witness King David grappling with understanding the events that have occurred in his life.

Of course, there are jokes that Heller attributes to David, which are modern phrases or offer insights into how things were done during biblical times.

We get what could be considered a peek into the reality of life, as opposed to the lofty speeches, psalms, and challenging passages found in the Old Testament.

The author contemplates how things might have actually happened.

Taking on the life of David seems like a substantial endeavor for an author, but it reveals a great deal about our humanity.

0 0 Reply

Leave a Review

You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.

God Knows

joseph heller

This edition

More editions

About the author

joseph heller

Readers also enjoyed

Community Reviews