An illuminating and heart-stirring historical novel set in post-WWII Palestine, where the boundaries of love and friendship are challenged by the intractable conflicts of war.Jerusalem, 1947: Judith, a young Jewish survivor of the Dachau concentration camp, arrives in Mandatory Palestine, seeking refuge with her only remaining relative, her uncle. When she learns that he has died, she tries to … died, she tries to take her own life in despair.
After awakening in the hospital, Judith learns that Hana, a Muslim Arab nurse, has saved her life by donating her own blood. While the two women develop a fragile bond, each can’t help but be drawn deeper into the political machinations tearing the country apart. After witnessing the repeated attacks inflicted on the Jews, Judith makes the life-changing decision to join the Zionist fight for Jerusalem. And Hana’s star-crossed love for Dr. David Cohen, an American Jew out of his element and working only to save lives, will put her own life in danger.
Then the political situation worsens. When tensions erupt, a shocking act of violence threatens Judith and Hana’s friendship—and the destinies of everyone they love.
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Since this book is an Amazon First Reads pick for this month, I expected to find many reviews already posted for this fine novel. I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, and the setting in post-World-War-II Palestine during the formation of Israel fascinated me from the beginning. Add to that a harrowing opening scene on board a ship in dark waters being pursued as it tries to deliver thousands of Jewish refugees safely to shore will grip you in a fierce hold. I immediately loved Judith, a concentration camp survivor hoping to find a new life with her last remaining relative, an uncle, who has invited her to find him in Palestine.
After Judith’s arrival, things aren’t what she hoped they would be (no spoilers here), and although she remains a major character in the book, the story also shifts to encompass the tales of an American Jewish doctor, a young independent Arab woman, and a British soldier who doesn’t want to be there, among others.
Although all the stories are well told, so many characters came into play that I found myself losing focus a time or two. I have a personal preference for stories that focus on perhaps just one or two protagonists, so maybe it’s just one of those tellings bound not to be a top favorite of mine. But I can still wholeheartedly recommend the novel. This writing is spare and smart, the historical details are intricate, and the chaos is vividly rendered. A good read that will also teach you about an intriguing part of human history.
worth reading
The characters were a little simplistic and two dimensional but as a well researched historical fiction story I learned a lot about the post war conflicts and details around the establishment of a Jewish state. It was easy to follow even though there was a lot going on involving many characters and events. I’m glad I read it and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys historical fiction.
Author Werner Donne finds just the right balance between history and fiction by creating very believable characters. I enjoyed his end note as well, giving a wealth of sources and research. The tension in the Middle East, especially in Israel, is a timeless theme. Hence this book will be one that never goes out of date. It was interesting to see the human side of this long-standing conflict.
It has some of the history of the birth of the state of Israel
Just a rewrite of Exodus
Depicting with historical accuracy the challenges of establishing the State of Israel is one few authors tackle. Depicting all sides of the story and the personal toll this establishment took is even more difficult.
The author has truly done a great service to those who have not been exposed to the dynamics of that conflict between Palestinians and Jewish settlers. The fiction he creates and the characters here are heart-warming and the actions by both, are truly tragic.
I hope thousands read this book and learn the problems those peoples still face there. A better understanding of the rights of both peoples is a requirement for peace in that land.