Not Just Black and White, There’s Gray
Dana Hillman is an Israeli woman who falls in love. Her husband Daniel is a soldier who is burned badly in the conflict. He disappeared from the hospital on the day Dana was finally allowed to see him. He’s been missing for over 11 years, but Dana’s search for him continues.
Throughout this time, Dana also stays true to her beliefs and protest on behalf of Palestinians who are treated so badly by most of Israel.
There is a rather eccentric cast of characters throughout this book, especially those living in Dana’s building. This thought provoking work of fiction is a love story, a character study, and a political statement. However, don’t let the mention of politics keep you from reading this book!
In the news, we never see all sides of the conflict in the Middle East. Edeet Ravel really captures the conflict between Israel and Palestine, showing all sides. It’s not just black and white; there is a lot of grey. For instance, Edeet shows us that there are Israelis who protest and support the Palestinians right to live free not corralled in little settlements.
This is the second book in Ravel’s Tel Aviv trilogy. I didn’t find this out, until after I finished reading it. This book can be read as a “stand alone” book. However, since I enjoyed it, I plan to read the first in the trilogy, ‘Ten Thousand Lovers.’
4/5
Did you also review this book? Leave a link to your review in the comments and I will post it at the bottom of my review.
This book covers a topic I’ve always puzzled over – why the Palestinians cannot have a homeland. Concise but pithy review. Thanks, Teddy!
I’ve never heard of this series, but I was thinking the same thing katknit mentioned — it covers something I don’t get. Enjoyed your review!
This book sounds interesting to me; I am also in the Canadian challenge & am not too familiar with many Canadian writers. Thanks. Linda/CT
I have Edeet Ravel on my wishlist but haven’t read anything by her yet. Thanks for the review, it sounds interesting about a part of the world I’m not terribly knowledgeable about.
Linda, the entire middle east is a puzzle to me. Thanks!
Bookfool, I’m so glad you enjoyed my review!
Linda ct, the challenge is a great way to find more Canadian authors. I have lived in Canada for over 16 years and am still falling in love with Canadian authors.
Tanabata, it is interesting.
Hmm..this sounds intersting! Nice review 🙂
Thanks Samantha! It is interesting.
I was about halfway through this book when my bookmark fell out and I didn’t care enough to figure out where I left off. Maybe I’ll give it a second look. Thanks for the review. 🙂
Ripley,
It did take me awile to get into it. It was slow in parts, but I found the different political point of view on the middle east refreshing.
I am starting to hesitate to read books dealing with the conflict in the Middle East, now, due to all the negativity and politicking going on, especially when you try to write a book review.Some of the books are starting to sound like propaganda, when you read them.Makes you wonder about the intentions of some authors and that’s bad, since some of the ones I read are just plain good stories and others don’t ring true, when you read them.I am thinking of “The Almond Tree”, in particular, that I won on Goodreads.But it is not the only one.