A Providence of Shylocks

A Providence of Shylocks: A Novel of Debt and Performance In a landscape where desperation and ambition collide, Antonia Moretti struggles under the burden of grief following her husband's death. Faced with financial insecurity, she reluctantly pawns his cherished silver pocket watch to Ezekiel Horowitz, a Lithuanian Jew whose loan, while equitable, carries significant moral ramifications. Their lives become further intertwined when Alden Van Wick, an aristocratic Yankee, retrieves a family heirloom from Zeke, alluding to a forthcoming play that threatens to unearth profound tensions within their community. As Antonia fights to regain her independence, Patch Malone—a tenacious Irish ambulance chaser—seizes the opportunity presented by her vulnerability. Motivated by personal loss and the plight of his brother Seamus, who suffers from severe injuries sustained in a mill accident that left him uncompensated, Patch rehearses legal arguments in his dilapidated office that blur the boundaries between justice and exploitation. Meanwhile, Zeke's daughter Leah auditions for the role of Portia at the Providence Shakespeare Society but is met with rejection due to her heritage. When Alden solicits Zeke's counsel on Shylock for authenticity in their production, Zeke feels offended yet perceives this as an opportunity to reshape the narrative surrounding Jewish identity through performance. As he passionately guides actors in delivering Shylock's moving speeches, Leah and Antonia collaborate on a Yiddish counter-play aimed at reclaiming their narrative for the immigrant community. Tensions rise as Patch uncovers damaging evidence against the mill through questionable means while grappling with ethical dilemmas in court. He stands at a pivotal juncture: win with compromised evidence or jeopardize everything for the sake of truth—a decision that mirrors Portia's own moral conflicts. Concurrently, Zeke confronts Antonia as the loan's due date approaches but surprises them both by opting not to reclaim the watch; instead, he transforms their financial entanglement into an act of faith and solidarity. As these two men navigate their respective predicaments—one seeking integrity while the other contends with ambition—their intertwined narratives illuminate profound truths regarding sacrifice and redemption amidst societal strife. The community teeters on the brink, where hope flickers like candlelight against encroaching shadows, prompting readers to contemplate the essence of living authentically in a world rife with conflict and expectation.