3792 - Bernard Malamud Short Stories: Ethics, Humor, and Humanity (Jill Parks, Bert Parks and Molly Holcombe)
Course Description
Instructors: Jill Parks, Bert Parks and Molly Holcombe
This four-week discussion course explores the rich and deeply human short fiction of Bernard Malamud, one of the most important American writers of the twentieth century. Known for his moral complexity, compassion, humor, and unforgettable characters, Malamud wrote stories that examine suffering, redemption, loneliness, faith, and the search for human connection.
Together we will read and discuss a selection of Malamud’s most compelling stories, including Take Pity, The First Seven Years, The Mourners, The Jewbird, The Silver Crown, and others. Through lively discussion and close reading, we will consider the ethical dilemmas faced by ordinary people, as well as themes of Jewish identity, tradition, love, responsibility, and resilience.
Book: The Stories of Bernard Malamud - Penguin Books - Used copies on AbeBooks
ISBN 10: 0374270376 / ISBN 13: 9780374270377 Participants should come prepared having read the assigned stories and engage in thoughtful discussion. The class is limited to 30 participants.
Bio: Jill Fein Parks earned her BA in Sociology from UC Berkeley and taught in public schools before becoming the first female switchman for Southern Pacific Railroad. A longtime activist for women’s rights and former candidate for U.S. Senate (1986), she later worked as an HR Manager at Kaiser Permanente and now teaches regularly at OLLI, where she also co-leads a book club.
Bert Parks is an Atlanta native, civil rights participant, and longtime literature instructor. He completed graduate work at Georgia State and NYU (dissertation on Saul Bellow), has taught at Georgia State, NYU, and Morehouse, sold an original screenplay, and has led more than 30 courses at OLLI since 2007.
Molly Holcombe is a lifelong reader with a special interest in American and Jewish literature. She holds advanced graduate training in English and has worked in writing, editing, and education throughout her career. A longtime OLLI member and class participant, she now co-teaches literature courses with Jill and Bert Parks and enjoys guiding lively discussions that bring stories to life.