Passport to Drama

A fiction collection

Reading this, you’re likely traveling, wishing you were traveling, or relieved you aren’t - it’s hard to get away from travel this week! And while travel promises adventure and relaxation, it can also unearth unexpected twists and turns. This week’s collection features novels that highlight into captivating novels the joyful, messy, and sometimes unsettling experiences that unfold once we step out of the cacoon of routine.

Follow Me, Esty Heller - travel to Greece stirs up resentment and crisis
A vibrant and easy story of travel, food, and connection that balances light reading with meaningful character development, thoughtful themes, and sophisticated plot. Deena’s family and friends are treating her with kid gloves since her husband’s death, but she hates being labeled and just wants to get lost in the exotic facade she’s crafted. Pessi’s ordinary, scheduled lifestyle is thrown off balance, and no beaches or jungles can keep her resentment from spilling over. Two women uncover the loneliness they’ve been avoiding and find new possibilities.

Desert Song, Sudy Rosengarten - travel to the West Bank stirs satisfaction
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.

Enough, Riva Pomerantz - travel to Italy brings crisis and introspection
Years of unfettered materialism have made their mark on their adult children, and Moish and Reena are finally determined to undo some of the damage. But is it too late? Relationships crumble, rumors spread, and desperation sets in. And just as all the rules are being rewritten, a once-in-a-lifetime cruise threatens to undo the progress. A suspenseful and intriguing drama about rules, conviction, and belated introspection.

Dream On, Gila Arnold - travel to Eretz Yisrael creates new dynamics impossible to get out of
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.

The Last Rebbe of Lodz, Yonah Klein - travel to Poland brings strangers together
The dispersed Ginzburg family is working to rebuild the glory of their past, but a hidden adversary is working against them. Izzy is settled into his monotonous single life and good enough job, until upheaval disrupts his comfortable routine and he finds himself adrift. Zach has everything going for him and is gearing up for a House bid when longtime allies turn on him and release accusations that will end his career. Two distant cousins at crossroads in their lives, brought together by a shared mission. A slow build-up to a dramatic string of events, blending humor, introspection, and suspense.

The Thirteenth Gate, Ester Zirkind - travel to France challenges opinions
A divided family has each coped with their pain differently, but it ultimately must be dealt with. A typical story of an estranged son is couched in a creative multi-dimensional structure. Everything changes in anti-semitic France, giving the story a current and specific feel, and opinionated modern-day themes weave introspection into steady action.

Oasis, Sarah Kisner - travel to the Dead Sea repairs broken connections
Everyone’s traveled to escape their problems; when their troubles follow them, it’s time to make mends. Chareidi and secular travelers are dismayed to find themselves sharing accommodations at their Dead Sea tourist programs. Tensions flare between stubborn guests, passionate activists, and a bitter manager - until one bewildering teen goes missing, with only a missing guitar as a clue. A fast-paced drama about mending broken connections.

Guest House, Gita Gordon - travel to Wales reawakens long-buried hope
Fay’s family boarding home has a rich history of travel and hosting, but now it is as rusty and isolated as she feels. But before its time is up, the stately house will bring lonely travelers together one more time. Rich description and personification of the unique landscape make for an atmospheric and vibrant read. A gentle tale of vacationers thrown together, finding themselves within each other.

Ends of Heaven, Yocheved Levenstein - travel to India forces a decades old confrontation
In the treacherous mountains ruled by revengeful Indian gangs and daemons of the past, two Canadian families must confront who they are. A neo-Nazi-loving Jew, guilt-ridden German, and angry Moshav savta make up an eclectic collection of characters brought together in this multi-plot adventure through unique and treacherous settings.

Wall of Fire, Meir Uri Gottesman - travel to Eretz Yisrael brings a life dream closer
When he can no longer see the letters of his gemara, an endearing elderly protagonist’s search for a cure takes him to the edge of believable on an escapade of malachim, antagonistic birds, and love of Eretz Yisroel

Changing Tides, Devorah Weiner - travel to Florida stirs secrets
A typical light and juicy story of vacation self-discovery takes a twist and spills past the plane ride. Four friends are hitting their 40th birthday and are as close as ever. Their long-awaited birthday vacation brings them together, but the secrets, challenges, and insecurities they would never dare share that surface change their perspective on each other and themselves.

Next time: More of your book requests, answered! Have a super-specific book taste and need your next read? Email your detailed book requests to frumbooks@substack.com.