Pronunciation: [mˈɔːdɪkˌa͡ɪ ɹˈɪt͡ʃlə] (IPA) 
Mordecai Richler is a Canadian novelist whose name can be a bit tricky to spell. The first name, "Mordecai" is pronounced /mɔːrdɪkaɪ/, with the stress on the first syllable. The last name, "Richler" is pronounced /rɪklər/, with the stress on the second syllable. It might be easy to misspell the last name with "Richelor" or "Richlera", so it's important to remember that it ends with "ler" and has no extra letters.
Mordecai Richler (1931-2001) was a Canadian novelist, essayist, and screenwriter, widely recognized as one of Canada's most renowned and influential writers during the latter half of the 20th century. Born in Montreal, Quebec, he is best known for his satirical and witty depictions of the urban Jewish community and its struggles with identity, culture, and society.
As a writer, Richler's works often centered around themes of Jewish identity, Canadian culture, and Quebec politics. His novels include "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz" (1959), "Barney's Version" (1997), and "Solomon Gursky Was Here" (1989), which brought him international acclaim. Through his distinct use of dark humor and sharp social commentary, Richler earned a reputation for portraying complex characters grappling with their place in society.
In addition to his novels, Richler also wrote non-fiction works, such as "Oh Canada! Oh Quebec!" (1992) and "This Year in Jerusalem" (1994), which further explored his opinions on identity politics and the cultural landscape of Canada. He also ventured into the world of screenwriting and penned the screenplay for the film adaptation of "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz" in 1974.
Richler's literary contributions earned him numerous awards throughout his career, including the Governor General's Award for Fiction and the Giller Prize. His works continue to be studied and celebrated for their sharp wit, social insight, and lasting impact on Canadian literature. Mordecai Richler's legacy as a significant and influential Canadian writer remains a cornerstone of the country's literary heritage.
