A Storied Land
A Fiction Collection about Eretz Yisrael, Past and Present
When there’s too much to say to encapsulate the heart of the matter, turn to fiction. Our 2,000+ year history in Eretz Yisrael houses a treasure trove of stories waiting to be unraveled. Its long history and vibrant, inspiring, and mysterious personalities make for remarkable tales that blur past and present, reality and imagination. This fiction collection features contemporary and historical novels that bring life to the history-steeped stones, mountains, and roads of Eretz Yisrael and dive deep into the significance, depth, and impact of our land.
Promise Me Jerusalem, Chany Rosengarten - The ‘Old Yishuv’ fights to keep things as they were for generations while rapid change brews outside the invisible walls. Duvid Davidowitz faces dizzying transition after he finds himself in a costly agreement to support his newly-engaged daughter Malkala. 10 years later, Malkala’s blissful life is wrenched away from her. Is she making the right choice by leaving her children to secure financial stability? Or is she merely running away from herself? A frum Fiddler on the Roof-esq tale with genuine characters talking straight at you and a Torah take on the timeless question of tradition.
Dream On, Gila Arnold - In a delightful bubble of the Israeli seminary experience, staff and students discover themselves and form connections. Zeezee is here to have fun; Tammy is determined to prove herself as a mentor; Chava just wants to make an impact in the way she knows best. But when well-meaning becomes unhealthy, they’re forced to question their perceptions and make tough decisions. The layered plot reveals the complexity of relationships and internal development, while adorable dialogue and experiences make for a fun and easy read.
[Read our conversation with Gila Arnold here]
Wall of Fire, Meir Uri Gottesman - When he can no longer see the letters of his Gemara, 80-year-old Laibel is fitted with a new lens specially crafted in Meah Shearim that suddenly allows him to see much more than he bargained for. The search for a cure leads to the edge of believable, an escapade of malachim, antagonistic birds, and a secretive Gabbai. As Laibel walks the streets of Yerushalayim, the past rises up from the land, and the plot weaves through some of the most dramatic periods of history. A humorous, vibrant, and imaginative story of a throbbing love of Eretz Yisrael.
Desert Song - Sudy Rosengarten - Passing middle age is chilling for Tzippy, an ambitious go-getter who values productivity above all else. Her life becomes intertwined with Gila’s, her only relative nearby, and she steps in when crisis arises. Gila’s laid-back lifestyle in the West Bank is foreign and frustrating, but as she enmeshes herself with the community, the serenity and simple utility of life on the yishuv allow her to reframe what real accomplishment means. A touching and straightforward story that moves slowly and meaningfully through a perspective shift.
Normal Like Me, Ruti Kempler - In the land of many opinions, broken souls find comfort on the edges. Sarah finds belonging with the close-knit group of Shawl Ladies who bring kedushah to the world through their modest dress and fights bitterly against those trying to make her normal. Itzik finds his place with his curious neighbors from Papua New Guinea, and comfort in his unique ideas. Ruti Kempler grapples with complex topics and provokes you to reexamine assumptions through nuanced characters who turn their backs on conventional wisdom and seek their own paths.
The Exchange, Miriam Luxemberg - After a chance encounter with a poor Yerushalmi, an LA businessman makes a unique deal: full coverage of his child’s wedding expenses in exchange for a seminary experience that will introduce his daughter to a new world. Neither the spoiled American teen nor her new hosts are too pleased with the arrangement, but as Suri embeds herself into her crowded new home, all find that there is more than meets the eye. The clash between cultures leads to conflict and friendship and makes for a humorous read bringing you into the hallowed streets of Meah Shearim.
Rappaport 55, Dov Haller - A humorous and personal drama that captures the magic of Yerushalayim and its impact on our personalities and hearts. Four young men arrive in a dingy dirah with perfect plans for their year. As they let go of their visions of themselves and their pasts, they reluctantly open themselves up to hear what the voice of Yerushalayim has to say. Dov Haller captures the nuances of frum life while tapping into the hopes and struggles inside of us, making for an illuminating, sarcastic, and engaging read that can be revisited over and over again.
Wildflower, Rachel Pomerantz - First of a still-ongoing series. Barbara enters seminary looking for adventure but quickly finds herself absorbed in her new lifestyle. Through her initial impressions of frum life, her dating life and ultimate marriage, and her struggle with fertility and adoption, the straightforward writing and subdued drama let the setting and personalities take center stage. We meet Barbara’s wide circle of family and friends, colorful and evolving characters who know their minds, and witness the chaos and beauty of transition, challenge, and balance in Eretz Yisrael.
Growing With My Cousin, Ester Katz Silvers - The modern version of the “Rachel Pomerantz” genre, Growing With My Cousin is a story of commitment and challenge alongside a touching exploration of the give-and-take of community and family. Sondra and Lisa grew up together in a comfortable Midwestern upbringing. As the older one, Sondra has always felt responsible for her younger cousin and watches Lisa follow her to a frum lifestyle with apprehension. When Lisa finds herself amidst chaos and tragedy, her cousin and yishuv friends step up, supporting her through a crisis of identity and ultimate forgiveness. Adult reading.
Sisters Under Seige, Leah Gebber - In the pre-Independence Old Yishuv, dreams, hope, and emotion run high. A woman is desperate to hate her sister who threatens to ruin her deepest desire. A man is frantic to get away from his rebellious brother who uses him for his own goals. Both are held close to their siblings by the invisible chains that bind families together. A heart-wrenching historical drama about the many forms of love and hate and the kindness and connected that supported a difficult era.
Book News Catch-Up
New
Living in the Land, Yoel Berman - a collection of short memoirs/essays by ordinary American Jews, recounting the challenges and triumphs of their Aliya experience.
Return to Yerushalayim, Yehudis Litvak - historical short stories spanning the Second Bais Hamikdash. Spotlights known and lesser-known periods, often with multiple stories displaying different viewpoints on an incident.
Point Blank 2 by Yonah Sapir - the conclusion of the most recent installment of the Agent to Hire series. Quickly finishes up the hanging threads from Part 1, then pivots to a more heavy and emotional storyline as Eyal deals with the Fallout.
Great news for podcast listeners! 613 Books is a new weekly podcast hosted by Heather Dean featuring authors and well-known personalities about their books and reading life. My favorite episodes so far were the interviews with Riva Pomerantz and Esther Kurtz, where Heather dives deep into the authors’ processes and the nuance of their characters.
Coming Soon
Esther Kurtz has been dropping hints in her email newsletter about what we can expect in her upcoming short story collection, Second Chances, and sharing the backstory to some of the stories we might remember.
The latest in Ruthie Pearlman’s Yael Reed series is expected Sukkos time, titled Infiltrator, another mystery going back to the series’ boarding school origins.
Yonah Klein’s first adult novel is expected Chanukah time. The Last Rebbi of Lodz is about a New York chussid determined to rebuild his family’s legacy. He describes the book as “A melancholy journey into the past and a discussion about people who are lost and trying to discover their purpose.”
(More news about upcoming Sukkos 2023 releases here.)