Reviews

Gr 6-9-- Banks has completely rewritten her 1973 novel (S. & S.; o.p.), tightening the narrative, making the descriptive passages and dialogue more accessible for today's readers, and removing some racist expressions, as well as references to smoking marijuana. The basic plot remains the same: spoiled, rich Lesley, 14, moves with her parents from Canada to an Israeli kibbutz because her father feels that the family has lost any sense of what it means to be Jewish. They leave behind Lesley's brother Noah, a family outcast because he has not only married his Catholic girlfriend, with whom he has been sexually active, but also because he has converted to her religion. A large part of the novel--set during the days before, during, and after the 1967 Six-Day War--chronicles Lesley's gradual, difficult adjustment, and her growing friendship from afar with Mustapha, an Arab boy. The story is fleshed out with numerous details about kibbutz life, farming, and military maneuvers, which bring a sense of realism. The style is more polished, with the characters' actions, rather than the author's voice, revealing motivation. Some Hebrew and Yiddish words are transliterated more accurately, and Lesley now speaks to Mustapha in his language, thanks to her Arabic lessons, which lends a greater air of authenticity. The glossary is more comprehensive, but readers won't need to refer to it often. A map is a welcome new addition. Where the first edition is popular, purchase of this one is recommended; libraries needing additional historical fiction will want to consider it as well. Its theme of peace is as timely today as when it was first published. --Ellen Fader, Westport Public Library, CT