Will it be good?

I'm also a massive fan of this book but I'm concerned about a novice director, and Ewan McGregor playing The Swede. Like another poster said, he's about as Jewish as Abu Hamza, and ironically Jennifer Connelly, who is Jewish, is playing his snooty gentile wife.

My biggest concern would be the inherent difficulties in adapting a beloved novel and McGregor being new on the directing block. The religious background or ethnicies shouldn't matter so long as they can be made up to look the part to someone who doesn't know as much about the actors. Sometimes we can over inform ourselves into not enjoying something we otherwise would have if we hadn't picked it apart piece by piece.
Jennifer Connelly isn't so Jewish looking that she can't pass for a gentile, and a major point of the Swede is that he doesn't look Jewish, so as long as Ewan McGregor does a good job on the acting front (which he can be expected to do, he's a capable actor) then I'm sure they are going to make him up to look like described in the book.

I have no doubt that movie magic will make Ewan MacGregor look like Swede Levov, however I have never, ever, heard this fine actor pull off an American accent, which will be crucial to this role.

The trailer is now on YouTube and it looks incredible. Very emotionally powerful and the performances look top-notch. This October is going to be one of the best months for movies in a very long time. ☺

After seeing the trailer released today, I'm very excited! Looks fantastic.