The Wolf Hunt by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen- #Translated by Sondra Silverston - #BookReview

 I look at the tiny fingers of a newborn baby and try to understand how they could possibly grow into the fingers of a killer. The dead boy is named Jamal Jones. In the newspaper photo, his eyes are as dark as velvet. My boy is named Adam Shuster. His eyes are the color of the sea in Tel Aviv. They say he killed Jamal. But that's not true...

***

Lilach seems to have it all: a beautiful home in the heart of Silicon Valley, a community of other Israeli immigrants, a happy marriage and a close relationship with her teenage son, Adam. But when aa local synagogue is brutally attacked, her shy, reclusive son is compelled to join a self-defense class taught by a former Israeli Special Forces officer. Then a Black teenager dies at a house party, and rumours begin to circulate that Adam and his new friends might have been involved.

As scrutiny begins to invade Lilach's peaceful home, and her family's stability is threatened, will are her own fears be the greatest danger of all?

***

When I read this author's book, Waking Lions, a few years ago I thought it was brilliant. So when the opportunity arose to read an advanced readers copy of The Wolf Hunt, I jumped at the opportunity. If you would like to read my review of Waking Lions you can do so by clicking here.

The Wolf Hunt was an equally wonderful novel from the pen of the Israeli author, Ms. Gundar-Goshen. I will be surprised if this does not make it into one of my favourite books of the year.

I was gripped from the very first page (above) and the author lays out the premise for the whole book in her opening words. She is a marvellous storyteller and pulls the reader straight into the heart of the book.

As a mother I could identify with the main character, Lilach. Her fears, concerns and worries were tangible and I think all readers, not just parents, will be able to empathise with her feelings. She is an excellently well portrayed character. It is clear that the author completely understands her character and fully inhabits her. The role of her husband and son are equally fully realised characters and she brings them fully to life.

The story is full of suspense, and it made this book a real page turner for me. It is also heart felt and compassionate, dealing with some difficult issues by considering the grey areas inbetween the black and white simplicity of a situation.

This is accomplished storytelling at its very best, and this was one of those rare books which I did not want to end. I highly recommend it.

ISBN:  978-1782279884

Publisher:  Pushkin Press

Formats:  Hardcover

No. of Pages:  288

Purchase Link*

About the Author:

AYELET GUNDAR-GOSHEN was born in Israel in 1982. She is a practising clinical psychologist, has been a news editor on Israel’s leading newspaper and has worked for the Israeli civil rights movement. One Night, Markovitch, her first novel, won the Sapir Prize for best debut. Her novel Waking Lions was a New York Times Book of the Year and won the Wingate Prize, and her novel Liar was Editor’s Choice in People magazine. All of her novels are available from Pushkin Press.

About the Translator:

SONDRA SILVERSTON is a native New Yorker who has lived in Israel since 1970. She has translated works by Amos Oz, Etgar Keret and Eshkol Nevo. Her translation of Amos Oz’s Between Friends won the 2013 National Jewish Book Award for fiction.

Purchase Link*

(ARC courtesy of NetGalley)

(author/translator photo and info courtesy of Pushkin Press)

(All opinions are my own)

*Disclosure: I only recommend books I would buy myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains an affiliate link from which I may earn a small commission.

Reading Roundup for August 2023

 

This month has not been such a great one for me, and I have not reviewed as many books as usual. I had to have a stay in hospital (nothing serious) and upon my discharge I caught covid. I was looked after brilliantly by the NHS but lying there recovering I found it really difficult to read. There was so much necessary hustle, bustle and noise going on around me and I found I couldn't settle to anything.

Most of all, I missed my dog. It goes without saying that I missed by lovely husband too, but I was at least able to see him each day during visiting hours. My husband tells me that the dog missed me equally and judging from the reception his waggy tail gave me when I returned home he was quite right. So, this month my gorgeous dog, Buddy, is my header photo for no other reason that I love him and missed him so much.

Anyway, enough dog talk and on to books. I am a little behind with my reviews this month but they will be coming. In the meantime, here are the books which I read this month.

Books I Have Read

The Wolf Hunt by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen - This was easily my favourite book this month. My review will be up very soon so watch this space.  Purchase Link*

In a Lonely Place by Dorothy B. Hughes - This was an excellent book and my review will be up soon.  Purchase Link*

All Good Things by Amanda Prowse - I like this authors' books very much and this was no exception. My review will be up soon.   Purchase Link*

The Franchise Affair by Josephine Tey - This was most enjoyable for anyone who enjoys Golden Age detective fiction.  Purchase Link*

How to Draw a Giraffe: The Alice May Way by Alice G. May - I spent a very enjoyable afternoon with this book. You can find my review by clicking here.

Norah's Ark by Victoria Williamson - My review of this smashing book will be up tomorrow in time for the blog tour.  Purchase Link*

Wartime with the Cornish Girls by Betty Walker - This is the first in the Cornish Girls series. I liked it very much and my review is coming.  Purchase Link*

Kings and Queens: Alfred the Great to King Charles III and Everyone In-Between! by Marcia Williams - This was a fantastic comic-strip presentation aimed at junior school/middle grade children. If you would like to read my review you can do so by clicking here.   Purchase Link*

The Cornish Rebel by Nicola Pryce - This historical fiction title is one in a series and I cannot wait to read some of the others. My review for this book can be found here.  Purchase Link*

Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew J. Sullivan - Although this book is not what I expected I enjoyed reading it very much. You can find my review by clicking here.  Purchase LInk*

The Prosecco Pact by Kiltie Jackson - A story of three very different women who are friends. You can read my review by clicking here.

Don't Look Away by Rachel Abbott - This was a fabulous read and I highly recommend it. You can read my review by clicking here.  Purchase Link*

Books I Did Not Finish

Last of the Summer Moet by Wendy Holden - Not finishing this is no reflection on the book but I was trying to read this in hospital and could not get into it.

I, Julian by Claire Gilbert - I had really high hopes for this book but couldn't get into it. I may try it another time.

Books I am Partway Through

Murder on the Farm by Kate Wells

The Yorkshire Farm Girl by Diane Allen

*Disclosure: I only recommend books I would buy myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains an affiliate link from which I may earn a small commission.

The Golden Bell by Robert L. Stone - #BookReview #BlogTour

 

As the serving boys came out of the house carrying jugs of wine, Moses ibn Ezra took a moment to admire the garden, which had almost reached perfection on this fine May evening. Roses bloomed between lilies and flowering grasses. The hornbeam hedges shimmered. Green catkins danced against darker leaves. Moses breathed deeply, savouring the honeyed scent of the mock orange bushes, and running his palm over the cool grass beside his divan.

A dozen poets lounged on divans and cushions around the lawn, dressed in the fine linen robes and turbans of courtiers and scholars, sober browns and maroons brightened by flashes of colour at the cuffs. The men were talking quietly, waiting for the poetry contest to begin...

***

Arriving in Córdoba as a young man in 1088 to learn medicine, Yehuda Halevi is enchanted by a world in which Muslim, Jewish and Christian courtiers share poetry and philosophy in their elegant gardens. Here he falls in love with Deborah, the spirited daughter of his host. In this turbulent world, however, Yehuda also encounters invasions and pirates, book burnings and bandits.Driven by conflict to move from city to city, Yehuda and Deborah are often parted – but always in the hope that they will one day return together to Córdoba. As Yehuda’s fame grows as a poet and as a philosopher, his writings become increasingly mystical but also increasingly restless, for he yearns to travel to the holy city of Jerusalem. In 1140, as an old man, he must finally decide whether to stay with his family or begin the perilous voyage towards Egypt and Crusader Jerusalem…In this beautifully evocative story, Robert L. Stone transports the reader to twelfth-century Andalucía as he traces the extraordinary life of a man determined to devote himself – and his exceptional talent – to a greater truth.

***

This excellent book spans parts of the eleventh and twelfth centuries. I have not read many books set during that period so this made for really interesting reading. It is ambitious in scope and relates the oft unstable religious and political environment in existence during this period of history. 

Although this is a work of fiction, the author has clearly completed extensive research which gives this novel a scholarly feel whilst also being easy to read.  Whilst the backdrop is complex, the characters enable this book to keep the reader engaged and although it is intellectual in feel, it carries the reader along with it very nicely.

The book follows the life of Yehuda Halevi. He was a well written and fully fleshed character who was easy to engage with. I enjoyed accompanying him on each step of his journey, and the author's descriptions made Yehuda's world feel very relevant. I equally enjoyed reading of his wife, Deborah, who Mr. Stone portrays as a strong female character within a very patriarchal society.

Well written, it's excellent narrative and dialogue propels the story forward, making it well worth reading.  I learned much about both the time period and the places that Yehudi travelled. There is much attention to detail which enables the reader to feel very close to the story and setting.

What this book demonstrates clearly is that during the time period in which it is set different faiths were able to co-exist harmoniously and indeed learn from one another. It is a book that is very relevant to todays society and is well worth reading.

ISBN: 978 1915036537

Publisher:  Stony Mere

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  304 (paperback)

Amazon UK

About the Author:

Having gained a PhD in history and political anthropology from Cambridge University, Robert L. Stone has worked for many years advising governments on strategies to fight poverty, particularly in the wake of conflicts. He has a lifelong interest in how different cultures and ethnicities relate to each other - this, combined with his love of literature, is the inspiration for The Golden Bell.

(book, photos and all info. courtesy of Random Things Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

New Releases in May 2023

The month of May is almost upon us so it is time to take a look at which exciting new books are being released. It is also the month where we witness history with the Coronation of King Charles III, so lots to look forward to next month.

Here are ten books which have caught my eye.

Mrs Porter Calling by AJ Pearce

A heart-warming, heart-wrenching wartime story from The Sunday Times bestselling author of Dear Mrs Bird, AJ Pearce.

Emmy Lake is the much-loved agony aunt at Woman’s Friend magazine, relied upon by readers across the country as they face the challenges of life on the Home Front. With the problem page thriving and a team of fantastic women behind her, Emmy finally feels she is Doing Her Bit.

But when a glamorous new owner arrives, everything changes. As the Honourable Mrs Porter tries to charm her way around the rest of the team, Emmy realizes that she plans to destroy everything readers love about the magazine.

With happiness quickly turning to heartbreak and war still raging in Europe, will Emmy and her friends find the inner strength they need to keep keeping on - and save the magazine they love?

The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them) by Nadine Aisha Jassat

From an award-winning poet comes a gripping mystery. "Grandma Farida has Alzheimer's - but I'm going to help her remember a huge secret..."

Twelve-year-old Nyla's dad died when she was four, or that's what she's been told. So when Grandma Farida insists she saw him in the local supermarket, Nyla wonders if Grandma is simply "time travelling" again - the phrase she uses when Grandma forgets.

But Grandma is Nyla's best friend and when she asks Nyla to find her dad and bring him home, Nyla decides to make a brand new promise to her Grandma: to find him.

As Nyla turns detective and sets out on a journey through her family's past to try and find the truth, she also hopes that uncovering important stories will help her understand who she is, and where she fits in the world ...

A page-turning verse novel about the power of memory and story-telling, and an unbreakable bond between a grandmother and granddaughter.

An Invitation to Seashell Bay (Part 1) by Bella Osborne

This is the first part of a new feel-good romantic comedy, published as a four-part serialised novel.

One ambitious businesswoman.

One irresponsible heir.

A deal that will turn both their lives upside down…

To save her business, All Things Crafty, Nancy is in desperate need of two things: help and money. After a pitch goes horribly wrong, Nancy is convinced she's failed to secure either. But, when a potential investor recommends an assistant, she jumps at the chance to hire them – hoping it will help her land a much-needed deal. 

Enter Freddy Astley-Davenport, a notorious socialite with zero work experience. He’s poised to inherit his family’s estate in sunny Seashell Bay, but only if he can hold down a job for six months first. Nancy is not impressed. Freddy’s late, rude and totally incompetent – and that's just the first day!

Nancy is further horrified to learn of Freddy’s plan to take the assistant role in name only, then do the least work he possibly can, expecting Nancy to lie to his parents on his behalf. She has other ideas, though, and the pair butt heads from day one.

However, as they argue, sparks begin to fly…

Henry VIII: The Heart & the Crown by Alison Weir

Six wives. One King. You know their stories. Now it's time to hear his.

A second son, not born to rule, becomes a man, and a king...

In grand royal palaces, Prince Harry grows up dreaming of knights and chivalry - and the golden age of kings that awaits his older brother. But Arthur's untimely death sees Harry crowned King Henry of England.

As his power and influence extends, so commences a lifelong battle between head and heart, love and duty. Henry rules by divine right, yet his prayers for a son go unanswered.

The great future of the Tudor dynasty depends on an heir. And the crown weighs heavy on a king with all but his one true desire.

HENRY VIII. HIS STORY.

Ghost Girl, Banana by Wiz Wharton

1966: Sook-Yin is exiled from Kowloon to London with orders to restore honour to her family. As she strives to fit into a world that does not understand her, she realizes that survival will mean carving out a destiny of her own.

1997: Sook-Yin's daughter Lily can barely remember the mother she lost as a small child. But when she is unexpectedly named in the will of a powerful Chinese stranger, she embarks on a secret pilgrimage to Hong Kong to discover the lost side of her identity and claim the reward. But she soon learns that the secrecy around her heritage has deep roots, and good fortune comes at a price.

Sepulchre Street by Martin Edwards

'This is my challenge for you,' the woman in white said. 'I want you to solve my murder.'

London, 1930s: Rachel Savernake is attending renowned artist Damaris Gethin's latest exhibition, featuring live models who pose as famous killers. But that's just the warm-up act...

Unsure why she was invited, Rachel is soon cornered by the artist who asks her a haunting favour: she wants Rachel to solve her murder. Damaris then takes to the stage set with a guillotine, the lights go out - and Damaris executes herself.

Why would Damaris take her own life? And, if she died by her own hand, what did she mean by 'solve my murder'?

There are many questions to answer, and the clues are there for those daring enough to solve them...

Just a Regular Boy by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Out there is chaos, the collapse of society, and so much to be afraid of. All that matters is freedom.

That’s what Remy Blake has been taught by his survivalist father. Raised off the grid in the middle of nowhere, his own survival skills not yet honed, Remy is days shy of his eighth birthday when his father unexpectedly dies. As seasons pass, supplies run out, and fending for himself grows more desperate, Remy sets out on foot, unprepared for the great unknown of civilization.

He is found―near feral, silent, and terrified―in the small rural town of Blaire. To Anne, a nurturing mother of two adopted teenagers who’s still dealing with her own childhood rejections, Remy is not a lost cause. Just a challenging one. As Remy cautiously adapts to his new foster home, his family wants nothing more than to reassure him that he can trust the world. But to do so, they must first reexamine how much they trust the world themselves, and how much they should. As Remy’s journey into the real world begins, figuring out how to navigate it becomes a path they will have to learn to walk together.

The Last Passenger by Will Dean

A luxury cruise liner, abandoned with no crew, steaming into the mid-Atlantic.

And you are the only passenger left on board.

Caz Ripley, a cafe owner from a small, ordinary town, boards the RMS Atlantica with her boyfriend Pete and a thousand fellow passengers destined for New York.

The next morning, she wakes to discover that everyone else on board has disappeared.

And that's just the beginning. Caz must prepare for a crossing that will be anything but plain sailing ...

Sheep Says Shalom by Ann Diament Koffsky

The word ‘shalom’ means three different things: ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’ and ‘peace’. In this sweet, simple tale, Sheep experiments with this triple meaning as she goes about her day on the farm. The sun is rising, and we follow Sheep as she stops to say ‘shalom’ ('hello’) to each of her friends: ‘Shalom, Cat’, ‘Shalom, Cow,’ ‘Shalom, Horse’, ‘Shalom, Duck’. ‘Shalom, Sheep’, they all reply! When the day comes to a close, Sheep realises she can use this same word to say goodbye to all of her friends, as well: ‘Shalom, Cat’, ‘Shalom, Cow,’ ‘Shalom, Horse’, ‘Shalom, Duck’. ‘Shalom, Sheep’, they reply once more! As she tucks herself into bed that night, Sheep remembers that ‘shalom’ has one more meaning: ‘peace’. And with that, surrounded by the moon and the stars, she falls into a peaceful night’s sleep. Sheep Says Shalom is a heartwarming story for young readers, introducing them to Hebrew, teaching them about the joys of learning a language and giving them insights into the Jewish faith and culture. Children will be captivated by this foldout board book with colourful illustrations of animals and nature.

The Girl with the Red Hair by Buzzy Jackson

1940, Amsterdam.

You're nineteen years old. The war has stolen your future and your country is under siege. The people you love are no longer safe.

Will you stand aside as the menace of Nazi evil tightens its grip on your homeland? Or do you unleash your fury, joining forces with your enemies' enemies, plotting to strike?

Because if not you, then who?

You're drawn deep into a web of plots, disguises and assassinations. The Resistance trained you for this. You flash your enemies a smile and beckon them closer.

Little do they know you've grown used to the weight of a gun in your hand...

Soon they will all know your name.

You're "the Girl with the Red Hair." A match for any Nazi soldier, a true threat, a target.

(header photo courtesy of Pixabay)

Books to Read in November 2022

 

Goodness me, it is November already. Is it just me or does time seem to pass more quickly than it used to?

Soon it will be Bonfire Night. I enjoy watching the fireworks from the comfort of home. I wouldn't dream of going out and leaving my dog alone on what is such a scary night for pets. I am planning on using it as an excuse to cuddle up with my furry fellow on the sofa, with a hot drink and a book.

I am excited by all of the books that I hope to read this month. Which books are you planning to read?

Happy November reading to you all.

Love and War in the Jewish Quarter by Dora Levy Mossanen

The Only Daughter by A. B. Yehoshua

The Orange Grove by Rosannah Ley

The Samurai by Shusaku Endo 

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths

Hope is a Woman's Name by Amal Elsana Alj'jooj

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber

Survive the Night by Riley Sager

The Night Gate by Peter May

(Header photo courtesy of Kristopher Roller/Unsplash)

The Redeemer by Victoria Goldman - #BookReveiw

 

She scurries across the rain-drenched grass. Stone missiles bounce off her shiny black boots, spattering mud on her burgundy coat. One hits the side of her head, knocking her grey beret askew.

I shift on the wooden bench under the sycamore trees and lean forwards, Willing someone, anyone, to help her.

Anyone but me.

"Pig. Ham. Bacon butty," yell the two youths behind her. Whipping up the grass with their trainers, they close in on her like two wolves targeting their prey.

***

After witnessing a racist incident in a small Hertfordshire town, journalist Shanna Regan uncovers a series of threatening fake commemorative plaques. Each plaque highlights someone's misdemeanour rather than a good deed.

Delving deeper, Shanna discovers these plaques are linked to vigilante killings spanning several decades, with ties to the local Jewish community.

As her search for the truth becomes personal, Shanna puts her own life in danger. Can she stop the next murder in time?

The Redeemer is a compelling, thought-provoking murder mystery debut, featuring themes of prejudice, identity and heritage, revenge and redemption, and secrets from the past.

***

I enjoyed this very much and was delighted to be introduced to the journalist, Shanna Regan. It is a debut novel which has depth and meaning and I lapped up every word.

At the heart of this fabulous story is a murder mystery which twists and turns throughout the entire novel. It is a 'who done it' in essence and I did not anticipate who the culprit was prior to the exciting reveal.

There are some serious themes threaded throughout the book. It explores the human need for justice, identity and belonging. It does not shy away from the subject of antisemitism and tackles it head on.

It is set in a small town in Hertfordshire amongst a thriving Jewish community. It was the perfect backdrop for the author to explore the culture, traditions and beliefs of the community, and she does so with realism and empathy.

Shanna was an excellent character. She is well portrayed, as are the secondary characters, and everyone was realistic and believable.

It has been well written and appropriately paced. I highly recommend this novel. In Ms. Goldman we have a new voice in crime fiction and I very much hope that it will not be long before we are able to read more of Shanna Regan.

ISBN: 978 1739695415

Publisher: Three Crowns Publishing UK

Formats: e-book and paperback

No. of Pages: 336 (paperback)

About the Author:

VICTORIA GOLDMAN is a freelance journalist, editor and proofreader. She was given an honourable mention for The Redeemer in the Capital Crime/DHH Literary Agency New Voices Award 2019.

Victoria lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and two sons. The Redeemer is her first novel.

(Thank you to the author for the advanced PDF of the book)

The Village Feasts by Izzy Abrahmson - #BookReview

 

Welcome to Chelm! Welcome to the village of fools. Eighty households and farms, a few dirt roads, more chickens than people, and a wealth of love, lore, misadventures and often silliness.

You may wonder, where exactly is Chelm? It's not that no one knows, it's just hard to explain. On the edge of the Black Forest, somewhere between Russia and Poland, and occasionally Germany. If you travel through Smyrna chances are good you'll get lost, and maybe end up in the village of Chelm.

There, you will rub elbows with Reb Stein the baker, the Gold family, Doodle the orphan, Rabbi Kibbitz and Mrs. Chaipul, and of course, the Schlemiels...

***

Ten tasty Passover tales adults and children of all ages will enjoy again and again. Delightful and amusing. Who’s knocking at the door? What is cabbage matzah? Where was Rabbi Kibbitz? Why are they always arguing? When will we eat? And how will Mrs. Chaipul save The Village?

***

In this lighthearted and humorous selection of stories lies some real gems of Jewish folklore. They are all based around the Passover festival and would be wonderful and timely to share during the week of pesach.

My favourite story of the ten was Chiri Bim / Chiri Bom. I laughed all the way through this particular story, and I think both adults and children alike would enjoy it. 

The remaining nine stories are similarly laced with cultural humour with multiple references to food, language and tradition. There is a useful glossary at the back of the book for readers who are unfamiliar with some of the terminology surrounding the festival.

Although the stories are based around the Jewish festival of Passover, these stories would appeal to everyone for their funny fairy tale quality.

ISBN: 978 1940060453

Publisher: Light Publications

Format: paperback and e-book

No. of pages: 104 (paperback)

(book courtesy of NetGalley)

About the Author:

Izzy Abrahmson is an old soul with modern sensibilities. His stories of The Village Life have been published in books, newspapers and magazines around the world.

Although shy by nature, Izzy loves to tell stories and play improvised klezmer harmonica.

His performances of tales  have been enjoyed by adults, children and families of all ages at festivals and celebrations in the United States, Ireland, England, The Netherlands, Austria and France. 

Izzy Abrahmson is also a pen name for author and storyteller Mark Binder, who  lives in Providence and tours the world… virtually and in-person.

(photo and bio info from the author's website?)

That Jewish Thing by Amber Crewe - #BookReview

 Heavesdon Manor in Hertfordshire is one of those grey-stone country houses that wouldn't look out of place in an expensive Jane Austen adaptation. From looking at Google Maps, it's about equidistant between North West London and Essex, and therefore optimally inconvenient for both sides of the family.

I was almost disappointed when Mum and Dad said I could stay at theirs afterwards. Living in grimy East London has its perks, one of the best ones being a perfect 'get out of family events scot-free' card. But I knew I couldn't miss this. Not the longed-for-fairy-tale wedding of my first cousin Abigail Galinski.

***

Tamsyn Rutman is at yet another wedding, for yet another cousin. She wouldn't mind - the food's pretty good, the location is fabulous and there's a moderately famous singer crooning away - but what is a Jewish wedding if not the perfect opportunity for the bride to do a bit of matchmaking on behalf of her single, workaholic cousin? Tamsyn's not at the table with her parents and her family, she's sitting next to Ari Marshall.

Ari is everything Tamsyn doesn't want for herself, and everything her family want for her. Stubbornly determined not to fall into the trap of someone else's happily ever after, Tamsyn decides to focus on work, and while interviewing London's hottest new chef, finds herself being swept off her feet . . . by someone her family definitely wouldn't approve of.

But somehow, Ari and Tamsyn keep crossing paths, and she's about to find out that in love, and in life, it's not always easy to run away from who you really are...

***

I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was fun to read this lighthearted contemporary romance which we follow through the eyes of the main character, Tamsyn.

As the title suggests, Tamsyn is a Jewish woman whose mother is constantly arranging for her to 'accidentally' encounter suitable Jewish men. The story begins with her being sat with one such man at a table during her cousin's wedding reception, and from here we witness her rebellion at the confines which she considers her culture places her.

I found the story to be a little predictable but in a positive way. I enjoyed the comfort of this scenario. I was not expecting any big surprises. There was more a sense of accompanying Tamsyn on her journey of self-discovery, even if the reader probably foresees her destination long before the character does.

I have read many books which have a Jewish connection, and whilst this is a fun read, it does not shy away from the acts that have happened to Jews in the past. Centuries of persecution and antisemitism have left their mark, and this contextualises the novel and the attitudes of the characters.

However, the author has accomplished this with a light and sensitive hand and, it by no means dominates the book. I think anyone who enjoys entertaining women's fiction will enjoy this book.

ISBN: 978 1529366921

Publisher: Coronet

No. of Pages: 320 (paperback)

About the Author:

Amber Crewe is the alter-ego of Nicole Burstein, who lives in North London with her family and multiple bichon frises. In the past, Nicole has worked as a gallery attendant at the Natural History Museum, a bookseller for Waterstones, and used to present the traffic and travel news on various radio stations including LBC and local BBC Radio. Her current day job is in Customer Support for a financial technology company. She completed her Creative Writing Masters with Birkbeck College in 2011 and has been trying to make the writing career happen ever since. 

In her spare time, Nicole is a keen embroiderer and consumer of pop culture (in other words, she does cross-stitch whilst binge watching series on Netflix). She has a total of three Blue Peter badges, has an unending appetite for sourdough bread, and has never seen any Die Hard films. When the world gets too much, she watches YouTube videos of rollercoasters to relax.

(bio info courtesy of Hatchette Publishing)

Mr Mani by A. B. Yehoshua - #BookReview - Translated from Hebrew by Hillel Halkin

 

" - But even if I disappeared, Mother, I didn't disappear for very long. You needn't have worried ...

_ But I did phone you, Mother, I most certainly did, on Wednesday evening from Jerusalem.

- Of course. I was still in Jerusalem Wednesday evening. Yesterday too.

- Yesterday too, Mother. And this morning too. But I left you a message.

- How could you not have got it?

- Oh, God, Mother, don't tell me that another message of mine got lost!

- How should I know... whoever picked up the phone...

- Some volunteer from Germany.

- But what could I have done, Mother! It's not my fault that no one in his right mind on the whole kibbutz will pick up the telephone in the dining hall after supper, because no one wants wants to have to go out in the cold and run around looking for whoever it's for."

Five conversations, each centring on the fate of a different member of the Sephardi Mani family, make up this profound, far-reaching and passionate Mediterranean novel which tells of six generations of the family, but in reverse chronology. In each conversation the responses of one person are absent, thus drawing in the reader as the story reaches back into the past, creating one of the most extraordinary reading experiences in modern literature.

On a kibbutz in the Negev in 1982, a student tells her mother about her strange meeting in Jerusalem with Judge Gavriel Mani, the father of her boyfriend whose child she is expecting.

On the occupied island of Crete in 1944, a German soldier relates to his adoptive grandmother his experiences there with the Mani family, whom he hunts down.

In Jerusalem, occupied by the British in 1918, a young Jewish lawyer serving with the British army briefs his commanding officer on the forthcoming trial for treason of the political agitator Yosef Mani.

In a village in southern Poland in 1899, a young doctor reports to his father his experiences at the Third Zionist Congress and his subsequent trip to Jerusalem with his sister, who falls in love with Dr Moshe Mani, an obstetrician.

In Athens, in 1848, Abraham Mani reports to his elderly mentor the intricate tale of his trip to Jerusalem and the death there of his young son.

***

Initially, the thought of reading a book full of one sided conversations was a little daunting.  Potentially, it could be akin to reading the script of a play but with only the lines for one of the actors. However, in the hands of the very talented author, it became an exceptionally intelligent and original device, employed to transport the reader right into the very heart of each of the stories. Indeed, the more I read the more I realised that reading the responses to the conversation was completely unnecessary. I felt as though I was a third person, in the room with them, simply listening and observing as the conversations unfolded. I could positively see and hear the responses of the silent partner.

I found the reverse chronology easy enough to keep up with, even though the generations are not consecutive. There are some gaps between the generations of the Mani family, but each section did indicate their geographical movements so that the reader was not left questioning how the various Mr. Mani's got from A to B. The conversations were also constructed in such a way that the reader could understand the political and social background of the times.

I believe this fascinating book will stay with me long after my completion of it. There is so much to think about; from its structure to its themes. In fact, it is the highly unusual format of the book which totally engaged me and leads me to feel I would like to read it again. I suspect this is a book whereby the reader would gain so much more for it's re-reading.

I have previously read and enjoyed, Mr. Yehoshua's novel, The Tunnel. You can read my review by clicking on the link here.. I am looking forward to reading more of his writing.

ISBN: 978 1870015776

Publisher: Halban

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A. B. Yehoshua

Born in Jerusalem in 1936, A. B. Yehoshua is the author of eight novels and a collection of short stories. He is one of Israel's pre-eminent novelists, is widely translated and has won innumerable international prizes. In 2005, he was shortlisted for the first Man Booker International Prize.

He lives in Haifa where he taught comparative literature for many years.