Ruben Blum (né Ruvn ben Alter) is the unreliable, homodiegetic narrator of the novel. He is an unreliable narrator because he openly admits to telling his story to the best his memory will allow him, and human memory is anything but impeccable. He is a rounded character, though not dynamic. He does not undergo any definite change, nor experience any profound revelations, but his struggle with his Jewish identity reveals a rich depth of personality as he is made aware of how his Jewish background and heritage have made him who is he, for both good and bad. He is Jewish though highly secular. He does not practice Judaism, rather he is Jewish by heritage and maintains certain Jewish traditions, such as holidays. However, he was raised in a practicing household. His parents had him attend Hebrew school, learn Yiddish, and participate in religious observances. Though few physical details are given, we know he is an older gentleman with a slight paunch and that his skin is “not quite white” (16).

Ruben is a professor of history at Corbin University in Corbindale, New York. His specialization is in American colonial tax history. He used to work for City University of New York (CUNY) before taking the position at Corbin University.