The Puttermesser Papers

novel by Ozick

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July 23, 2026

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The Puttermesser Papers is a short novel by Cynthia Ozick, published in 1997. It centers on the aging character Ruth Puttermesser, exploring her narratives and fabricated memories.1

In one of the stories within the collection, Puttermesser brings a female golem to life in an attempt to save New York City. However, this act results in disastrous consequences. A golem, in Jewish folklore, is an image that has been endowed with life, often through mystical means such as sacred words or names of God. While golems can be depicted as servants or protectors, they also carry a frightening aspect and can fulfill commands too literally.12

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Cynthia Ozick
In 1997 Ozick published The Puttermesser Papers, a short novel consisting of narratives and false memories of the aging Puttermesser, who in one story brings a female golem to life in order to save New York City, with disastrous results.
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In 1997 Ozick published The Puttermesser Papers, a short novel consisting of narratives and false memories of the aging Puttermesser, who in one story brings a female golem to life in order to save New York City, with disastrous results.
Read More