KOSHER HOOKS

1946-53, the XX century's "Middle Ages". AmeriKKKans arraign their kosher people as the USSR's moles. SSoviets not only mirror that, but might ship all Jews to the starving, icy Siberian mini Zion named the Jewish Autonomous Region. Kiev's life teaches Roma, 13, that kissing rumps is better than tasting their fruits. The police summon his dad, jail the brass and friends. Some commit suicide. The boy is ripe for his personal show-trial too. In that bedlam, girls pour their hearts to him. Yet, he plans to swim to Turkey. S.I. Fishgal's PIDDLER ON THE HOOF shows the hero's childhood. MEIN KRAMPF does his fiery, forbidden love with a Russian coach, 22, later. As a gentleman, Fishgal made his intriguing, truthful books independent. His horse sense, crisp and funny language, topsy-turvy idioms and plays of words are striking.