Ask Bestselling Author Lawrence Block a Question discussion

I'm buzzing along through the Matthew Scudder series and enjoying each story more than the previous one, which is really difficult because I thought Eight Million Ways to Die was pretty good. So I'm in The Devil Knows Your Dead now and Scudder takes an acquantance/client to see Drew Kaplan. Kaplan asks for a $5,000 retainer, which the client doesn't have, and they eventually settle on $200. Says Scudder: "See? They're all alike. They start out high, but you can generally Jew them down."

Whoa.

Scudder has always been a character who operates by his own morals, and his questionable ethics have been interesting to experience but I don't recall him ever being offensive like this, and for me the change is disturbing. So much so, that I put the book down. Can someone here tell me that I'm missing something, or maybe overreacting, because I'd like to finish the book and the series, but have no interest in reading about an anti-Semitic character.

Thanks!

I've read almost all the Matthew Scudder books and I don't remember ever getting the impression that Scudder is prejudiced toward anyone. Sometimes people do use unfortunate phrases or words because they're used to hearing them themselves. I don't think Scudder is talking about Jews here, I think he's talking about lawyers, but I agree that it was insensitive of him to use that phrase. I'd give him another chance if I were you.

Hi Ellen,

It's not really who Scudder's talking to, or even about, it's the expression that I question. And it is a very anti-Semitic comment.

I could understand the use of the phrase if it were in keeping with the character saying it. For example, if this were a series with Archie Bunker as a private investigator, I would expect him to be saying stuff like that and I wouldn't be surprised when he did. I might still be offended, but I wouldn't be surprised. But with Scudder, it's different because he's never been like that or talked like that or given any indication that those are his beliefs.

Yeah, I see your point. I feel the same way. I just hadn't noticed that comment and I admit, it seems out of character for Scudder.

Get over it, Michael. That's nothing to get upset about, and if upsets you so much, find another author to read and spare everyone your self righteousness.

Now, now, boys and girls.

Michael, you're not a New Yorker.

It's s common New York expression, in certain quarters.

What Bill said.

Bill, no, I'm not a New Yorker. And I'm not convinced that 'common' = 'acceptable'. It's a common expression in certain quarters here in Minnesota, too, but that's not what I was concerned about. My concern was that Scudder, who never used slurs like that before, in seriousness or jest, and who I didn't think came from those certain quarters, would suddenly start using that particular phrase.

And Mr. Block, if you don't mind, why would Scudder, this far into the series, make this type of remark when it's never been part of his make-up before?

If I didn't care so much about the character I wouldn't have given this a second thought.

Michael, if you truly don't get that Scudder is being ironic, I'm not sure what I can say that will help you here.

For the love of Mike its a book and these people aren't real.

It is just a common remark made without prejudice. Would it have been as bad if he had said he was a good horse trader?

Thanks for the reply, Lawrence. It's a hot button comment and I didn't recognize the irony but I accept that.

Wanda, it was a simple question and that these are fictional characters is irrelevant. I'm not interested in getting into a dialogue about what is or isn't an ethnic slur.