Challenging Narratives: Jewish Literature and Zionism

Join writer and scholar Aaron Kreuter for a lively online talk on contemporary Jewish literature, its role in both creating and challenging dominant narratives, and how Aaron sees his new novel, Lake Burntshore, fitting into the long continuum of Jewish fiction. Using examples from his academic work--where Aaron asks, if Jewish novels such as Exodus had such a major role in cementing Zionism as central to the North American Jewish identity, is it possible for Jewish fiction to challenge Zionism and even present alternatives to its violent ethnic nationalism?--Aaron will detail how literature, the stories we tell, affects our worldview. Aaron will also read from Lake Burntshore, which takes place at a Jewish sleepover camp in Ontario over one tumultuous summer. We hope to see you there!

Bio: Aaron Kreuter is the author of six books, including the poetry collection Shifting Baseline Syndrome, a 2022 finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award. His work has been shortlisted for two Vine Awards for Jewish Literature, a Raymond Souster Award, and a ReLit Award. Aaron's award-winning academic work explores contemporary Jewish fiction, Israel/Palestine, settler colonialism, and diaspora. His most recent book is the novel Lake Burntshore. He lives in Toronto and teaches literature and creative writing at Trent University.

More on Lake Burntshore:

A funny and emotionally resonant coming-of-age novel about one summer of momentous social and political change at a Jewish sleepover camp

It’s the summer of 2013 and 21-year-old Ruby, a counselor at Camp Burntshore, can’t wait to supervise a rowdy cabin of 11-year-olds, smoke weed by the fire, and argue about which city make the best bagels. But when Brent, the camp owner’s son, hires Israeli soldiers to deal with a staffing shortfall, Ruby, a committed anti-Zionist, must decide if she’s willing to jeopardize her place at Burntshore to fight Brent over the contentious issues of Jewish belonging and settler colonialism, even as she finds herself falling in love with one of the soldiers, the sweetly handsome Etai.

Soon it becomes clear that the conflict is not just about the camp’s internal divisions but also about Burntshore’s relationship with the neighboring Black Spruce First Nation, strained because of Brent’s larger scheme to buy the Crown land surrounding the lake. As campers swim, go canoe tripping, and stage an over-the-top musical, Ruby has to contend with her feelings for Etai while simultaneously trying to save her beloved camp from greed and colonialism. A social satire, romance, and political commentary all in one, Lake Burntshore celebrates the contemporary Jewish world through its most iconic symbol — the often idyllic yet always dramatic summer camp.

“Funny, frank, and sexy, Lake Burntshore is a richly felt examination of the Jewish diaspora. Aaron Kreuter’s storytelling will transport you to your coziest, most carefree memories while also holding up a mirror to the adult you’ve become. This story really is a summer to remember.” — Gabe Liedman, writer and comedian

“Lake Burntshore is a summer camp story like no other. Ambitious in theme and impressively effective in narrative, this novel brilliantly unpacks the extensive, harmful impacts of colonialism with nuance and care. From Palestine to Ontario cottage country, Aaron Kreuter deftly gives agency to, and celebrates the humanity of, the people of the land. To anyone in a diaspora that’s struggled under oppression for generations, this story hits very close to home. By honouring the land and the people fighting for recognition and justice, Lake Burntshore is both timely and timeless.” — Waubgeshig Rice, author of Moon of the Crusted Snow

“Lake Burntshore hooks you from the beginning. Aaron Kreuter is unafraid to examine our views of displacement and genocide and our relationship with the land. A must-read!” — Christina Wong, author of Denison Avenue