Set in the onset of the WWI, in the Ottoman Empire, The Wild Date Palm by Australian bestseller author Diane Armstrong is at the same time a historical and spy novel, with a predominant strong and inspiring character.
Shoshana Adelstein witnesses the Armenian genocide. The cruelty that destroyed so many lives and the complete indifference of the world around, made her think about that maybe the Jews will be next. Instead of being taken over by fear, she decides to do her best, no matter the price and the sacrifice, to save her community. Therefore, supported by her brother and her lover, she set up a spy ring whose aim was to help Britain the win the war.
Based on a true story - the siblings Sarah&Aaron Aaronsohn from Zikhron Yaakov -, the beautifully written and well-researched story wraps the reader into the world of fantasy, showing a dedication that may inspire us, especially nowadays. Shnoshana is a woman with a passion and a timeless dedication to her people, but despite her overwhelming passion, she is able to see practically and boldly what can be done to nurture it.
The characters as well as the story itself do weave a story of timeless inspiration.
The book´s cover also merits an extra remark: the mosaique/pointillist-style that looks like a stanze from the desert during a sand wind, reflects properly the ambiance of the book as well as the uncertainty of the situation the characters are constantly facing.
Rating: 5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
No comments:
Post a Comment