The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon - Book Club Discussion Questions

The Yiddish Policemen’s Union is a Jewish detective yarn set in Sitka, Alaska; this frustratingly intoxicating tale is not only chock full of the Chabon’s masterful witticisms and descriptions, but is a mind-rattling fiction of noir and prophecy mixed with a healthy dose of black humor. Use these book club discussion questions on The Yiddish Policemen's Union to delve into Chabon's tale.

Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details about The Yiddish Policemen's Union. Finish the book before reading on.

1. How would you describe this novel in one sentence?

2. What is the “Yiddish Policemen’s Union” a metaphor for? How does it compare the other “unions” throughout the novel?

3. Which detective novel staples did Chabon employ? Which stereotypes did he break?

4. What were the main clues to the mystery of the murder of Mendel Shpilman? What do you think really happened?

5. What do you think of the Jewish people’s idea of “Zion”? Can it be anywhere or is it one place?

6. Why would there be some still looking for the Messiah in the 21st century?

7. Do you think a conspiracy like the one is this novel could occur? Why or why not?

8. Rate The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon on a scale of 1 to 5.