I do wonder (in general, not specifically wrt to this review) why is there a certain "either or" battle between literal and allegorical interpretations. Seems that the answer is typically "all of the above and a whole bunch more if you remain in class", with all answers witnessing to the same truth.
I figure that literal events are often described in such a way so as to emphasize other layers of meaning, but deviant minds misuse the descriptions to deny the fundamental truths and instead invent meanings from their own minds.
And then there are allegorical tales that serve to explain a literal reality (e.g. David and the lamb, 2 Sam 12). I wouldn't expect that every allegory or every literal event is followed up with a spelled-out expanded meaning, (just with enough examples to provide the hint).
Torah is filled with buried treasure, joy, and life. And mirrors. There will always be those who therefore prefer Vegas.
The “Black Book of Communism” is a very 858 depressing pages long. I’m sure this one is much more of a joy to read.