Rochl and the World of Ideas
Published in Issue #9 Translated from Yiddish by Frieda Johles Forman(Excerpt from a Novel)
subscribe to unlock the full story
It was the end of summer, 1916. In the Ukranian town of B., far from the battlefields, people had grown as accustomed to war as dogs to iron chains; on some the mark of suffering lingered, others feasted on the fat bone and prospered.
A large crowd had gathered in Leah Frank’s parlour because word had gotten out that two prominent merchants would be visitors in her home. They were said to be timber merchants hoping to export a couple of wagonloads of grain. Manufacturers’ agents also wanted to be included. “It doesn’t hurt to have one’s ear to the ground – to hear what’s going on in the world. And Leah’s deals could succeed even with garbage. She’d buy anything, and with her good luck there was always a profit.”
Just as the gracious Leah (strings of pearls under her substantial chins) opened the door to the merchants, Chaya, her maid, entered from the kitchen. “Mistress, I won’t allow you any business deals now. As it is, the food will be tasteless, it’s been moved on and off the grate a hundred times. They’ve waited so long, they can chat a little longer, until you’ve eaten.”
The merchants laughed. “Leah, she’s almost more mistress than you are. How long has she been supervising you this way?” “So! What else would you expect?” another remarked. “After all, Leah’s Rochl was raised in her arms.”
Leah guessed immediately what had brought the merchants: they were itching for something. She, on the other hand, had her...
Subscribe now to keep reading
Please enter your email to log in or create a new account.