The Lie by Hesh Kestin
A “page-turner that will engage your mind and emotions in a way few novels do” (Stephen King) about a left-wing Israeli lawyer—famous for defending Palestinians—whose views face the ultimate test when her own son is captured and tortured by terrorists. Devoted mother, soon-to-be divorced wife, attractive lover of an American television correspondent, Dahlia Barr is a brash and successful Israeli attorney whose life’s work is defending Palestinians accused of terrorism. One day, to her astonishment, the Israeli national police approach Dahlia with a tantalizing proposition: Join us, and become the government’s arbiter on when to use the harshest of interrogation methods—what some would call torture. Dahlia is intrigued. She has no intention of permitting torture. Can she change the system from within? She takes the job.
Then, one horrible day, Dahlia’s son Ari, a twenty-year-old lieutenant in the Israel Defense Forces, is kidnapped by Hezbollah and whisked over the border to Lebanon. As fate would have it, the one man who may hold the key to Ari’s rescue is currently locked in a cell in police headquarters. He is an Arab who has a long and complicated history with Dahlia. And he’s not talking.
My Thoughts:
This isn’t a lengthy book, standing at just over 200 pages long and some chapters at only half a page and yet it still took me about three days to read.
The reason being that my political and religious knowledge around the area I was reading about is extremely limited so I was reading slowly in order that I understood what was behind the actions that were being taken in the book.
Bearing that in mind though, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. The story is well told and does not rely on long explanations or descriptions to keep your focus. It says what it needs to say and moves on, and even in such a short novel, it manages to tell a complex story because of this leanness with prose.
Contradictory to these statements, the characters do feel fully fleshed out though, especially Dhalia Barr whom we follow as she changes careers before finding herself in the predicament of decision maker and mother when her son is taken hostage.
I did find it a little difficult to get into at first because of the unknown territory for me, but I am glad I stuck with it because it’s one of those great little novels that are worth sticking with when at the end you feel you have not only achieved, but become more aware in the process.
With thanks to the author and publisher Scribe for my review copy.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Thanks for the fine review. It sounds as though the book really looks at some of the difficult issues involved in national security and anti-terrorism. And an innovative angle to the story, too. Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca Bradley says
It was interesting as well because it was a break from the ‘norm’ on crime fiction and actually quite relevant to todays world, which is different to the topic we discussed later last week about violence, this is a topic that is happening and current.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Tough subject though. But lean is good.
Rebecca Bradley says
It is a tough subject, especially in today’s world, but yes, I really liked the lean read.
crimeworm says
It’s a subject I think many of us want to learn more about, so anything that educates as well as providing an enjoyable read is definitely worth a look. Thanks for another great review Rebecca.
Rebecca Bradley says
You’re welcome. It’s definitely worth reading if you fancy something different.
Jacqui Murray says
This is perfect for one of Yogi Berra’s quotes: “In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is.” I can see either outcome.
Rebecca Bradley says
Absolutely. I haven’t heard that quote before, but I like it and it’s brilliant. One I’ll try to remember.
Alex says
This may not be the book for me because I do know something of the situation and have quite strong views about it. Nevertheless, it is good to see an author using this setting and so opening up the debate for others.
Rebecca Bradley says
The author doesn’t come out with particular views on subjects, it doesn’t feel like he is preaching or telling about anything and I think that is why he has maybe gone so lean with his prose. He was a reporter in the area for many a year apparently before he wrote the novel as well. But I can understand with such sensitive subjects such as those covered in the book, why you would choose not to read it when there are many more books out there to be read.
Prashant C. Trikannad says
Rebecca, I have been following the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since I started reading newspapers, so I look forward to reading this novel. I wouldn’t be surprised if it reflects some real-life events.
Rebecca Bradley says
Prashant, the author was actually a reporter in the area for many years before he penned the novel, so I imagine there is a lot in there that he did learn from his time over there.