The novel introduces Jack Rosenblum, a German-Jewish refugee living in Britain in 1952. Jack is extremely determined to become a “Very English Gentleman.” He creates a detailed list of English rules and customs that he believes will help him fit into British society.

Important points:

1. Jack wants to belong
   Jack believes that learning English customs will allow him to become accepted as English.
2. The list is central to the story
   His list contains rules about English behaviour and culture. For example, it includes instructions about language, shopping and appropriate social behaviour.
3. Jack’s identity
   His attempt to become English raises questions about whether national identity can be learned simply by following social rules.
4. Sadie has a different view
   Jack’s wife, Sadie, does not want to forget their German-Jewish background or the family they have lost. This creates an important contrast between the two characters.
5. Themes of belonging and memory
   The opening introduces themes such as immigration, identity, assimilation, cultural differences, memory, loss and the meaning of home.
6. Humour with serious issues
   Jack’s efforts to follow English customs are often humorous, but beneath the comedy is the serious experience of a refugee trying to build a new life.

⭐ Short exam answer

The introduction of Mr Rosenblum’s List presents Jack Rosenblum, a German-Jewish refugee who wants to become a “Very English Gentleman.” He creates a list of English customs and rules because he believes that following them will help him belong to British society. His wife Sadie, however, wants to preserve their past and remember the family they have lost. Through their contrasting attitudes, Natasha Solomons explores identity, immigration, assimilation, belonging, memory and the meaning of home.