Manasseh da Costa, protagonist of this hilarious novel, is a schnorrer (beggar) who lives on the charitable contributions of the Jews of late 18th-century London. Manasseh is far from being a humble panhandler for, as every schnorrer knows, supporting the poor is a commandment from God (a mitzvah) not just a favour. And as the descendant of Portuguese Jews who had lived in England for many generations, Manasseh is the social superior of those newly arrived from Eastern Europe (Tedesco)-even his wealthy 'patron' Joseph Grobstock. The book concludes as the ever-audacious Manasseh strikes a blow for tolerance and understanding-while helping himself along the way. (Summary by Adrian Praetzellis)
Alt-BC: Lucy Burgoyne