Author of THEY WERE LIKE FAMILY TO ME, a collection of linked stories illuminated with magical realism, following the inhabitants of a small town in 1942 Poland and tracing the troubling complex choices they are compelled to make. Finalist for The Story Prize and Honorable Mention in the 2017 ALA Sophie Brody Medal for achievement in Jewish Literature. Originally published as IN THE LAND OF ARMADILLOS. Columnist for the Jewish Standard.
It's November, and we're killing fruit flies. Where do they come from? Usually, I can blame the over-ripe bananas that I bring home from the second-rate fruit store, but not this time. I think they came from the pumpkin. All right, I confess. Some Jews have Christmas envy. Me, I have Halloween envy. When it... Continue Reading →
HELEN MARYLES SHANKMAN 