Joan Leegant

An Hour in Paradise

"Joan Leegant writes stories that last, stories that take root in the soul."—Bret Lott, author of Jewel

Joan Leegant's collection takes its title from the Yiddish proverb "Even an hour in Paradise is worthwhile." In settings from Jerusalem to Queens, from Hollywood's outskirts to Sarasota, Florida, the characters in this mesmerizing debut collection are drawn to the seductions of religion, soldiering on in search of divine and human connection. A former drug dealer turned yeshiva student faces his past with a dying AIDS patient. A disaffected American in the ancient city of Safed ventures into Kabbalist mysticism and gets more than he bargained for. A rabbi whose morning minyan is visited by a pair of Siamese twins considers the possibility that his guests are not mere mortals. An aging Jerusalemite chronicles his country's changes during the biblical year of rest. By turns poignant and comic, unflinching and compassionate—with a dose of fabulist daring—An Hour in Paradise explores the dangers and unforeseen rewards of our most fundamental longings.

"Throughout these stories, Leegant reveals herself to be an empathic, gifted creator of people and worlds. Thought-provoking and funny, touching and disturbing, this is an auspicious debut."—Publishers Weekly

"Fresh, compassionate and lucid....Fans of Allegra Goodman, Nathan Englander, even the magical exuberance of Jonathan Safran Foer will greet this collection warmly."—Miami Herald

"Provocative and memorable stories, suffused with Jewish lore and wisdom....Leegant's characters are unforgettable."—The Forward

"Leegant is a gifted storyteller, blessed with the insight and wisdom to highlight moments that change and define whole lives."—Jill McCorkle

"This collection is a dream of a read, its lovable characters drawn with wit and warmth."—Elinor Lipman