In Paterson

the long version

"Levine's protagonist is European-born widower Ben Shein, a brilliant furrier reestablishing the family business in Paterson. The Sheins have come through the Great Depression and seem poised for success. But Ben's life takes a horrifying turn. Blind to her potential for murderous rage, he pursues and marries young, beautiful Judith Karger. Their marriage destroys Ben's gifted only child, Susan.". "Embittered, rendered mute by a mysterious illness, Ben becomes a patron of the camp for the arts founded by his brother Nat and Nat's wife Renee - an escape from the fur business that has enriched and cursed the Sheins. In a strange turn of events, Judith finds a new life among exiled Cubans in Miami."--BOOK JACKET.