'The Brothers Ashkenazi' by I.J. Singer

Set in pre-war Lodz, during the years of revolutions, wars, pogroms and anti-Semitism comes a story complete with joy, tragedy, perseverance and triumph. The Brothers Ashkenazi, twins, Meir Simcha (Max) and Jacob Bunem (Yakub) are destined for success, in different ways. They both grow in wealth, affluence and influence, but learn that all one takes to the next world is a good name, a healthy reputation. As they grow in age, they grow apart, however brothers remain brothers.

The story is written with great detail and description about an era of Eastern Europe that was rife with commerce, development and hardship. Singer captures the movement, the fluctuation and craziness of the characters in exquisite thoroughness. Singer puts The Brothers Ashkenazi back together again.