A compelling novel which I never wanted to end

A moving, memorably human tale of love, history and belonging

The novel's heartfelt bass note is the beauty and difficulty of human relationships, evoked with sympathy and an ear for the nuances of different voices which is as playful as it is precise

A warm, wise and sophisticated novel

A brave and and moving novel... prepare to be engrossed

Eshkol Nevo, grandson of Levi Eshkol, was hailed as a promising new writer with the publication of his short-story collection, B&B in Givatayim. Three years on, the critics are patting themselves on the back and saying, "I told you so." Thirty-three year-old Nevo's first full-length novel is a deeply human book, suffused with desire and melacholy.

The alternating perspectives in this novel provide a key to understanding the discrepancies in Israel, between European and Oriental culture, religious and secular perspectives, Jews and Arabs. At the same time, Nevo tells us with great sensitivity about feelings and relationships between man and woman, parents and children, between entire peoples.

Playful and painful account, delicately translated...puts the personal before the political every time.

Enjoyable, lively and well-presented

Witty, pacy and immediately engaging

Enchantingly clever

So fluid, the pages turn themselves

Irresistible comfort read

It would be a hard heart indeed that remained unmoved . . . the tender feelings that Noble engenders in her readers are to be cherished

Tissues are essential. You'll ricochet between delicately watering eyes at the romance of it all and howling sobs at the unbearable tenderness

Stories, generations and nationalities collide in what is an entertaining and superior novel