Through the central figure of Emanuel Silberstein, the novel draws the reader into an exploration of identity and the futile attempt to define a self "independent" of others. With a sharp eye on the Swedish milieu, Josephson probes the roots of anti-Semitism and thus of prejudice and self-deception in general. He creates his characters with the help of a keen ear for dialogue and interior voices, and deploys them with the skill of one who has long experience in the theater.

Through the central figure of Emanuel Silberstein, this novel offers an exploration of identity and the futile attempt to define a self independent of others. With a sharp eye on the Swedish milieu, it probes the roots of anti-semitism and thus of prejudice and self-deception in general.