Howl by Howard Jacobson review

March 16, 2026

TL;DR

The novel "Howl" by Howard Jacobson focuses on Ferdinand Draxler, a Jewish suburban primary school headteacher.
Ferdinand is driven to distraction by the events and aftermath of the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and their impact on his life in London.
He perceives a significant rise in antisemitism, believing the attacks have provided an alibi for Jew-hatred to flourish.
The novel explores themes of mental dissolution, fear of displacement, violence, and the reawakened fear of antisemitism.
Despite its uncomfortable subject matter, the novel is also described as comic, featuring eccentric characters and situations.
Ferdinand's deep affinity with grammar serves as a clue to his character and his struggle to find order in what he considers ungrammatical times.

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