ISRAELI-BORN AUTHOR SPEAKS OF HEARTBREAK AND CALLS FOR CALM AND DEPOLARISATION, AS HER NEW NOVEL ABOUT THE REGION IS PUBLISHED.

 

A writer from Devon, whose novel, set in Israel and England, is published this week has spoken of her distress at the continuing tragedy of war in Israel and Gaza. 

 

Yaara Lahav Gregory grew up on a kibbutz in Israel, but has lived in Devon for the last thirty years. Her novel, Night Swimming in the Jordan, out for publication this week, is a coming-of-age love story which also explores many of the burning political issues affecting the region.

 

Yaara has mixed feelings at her novel coming out now. “It has taken me years to write this book and get it to publication.  The story has arisen out of the time and place where I grew up, in a kibbutz in 1970s Israel, and is deeply rooted in the complexities of this very troubled part of the world. Coincidentally, the novel is being published at a time when all these issues have boiled over once again, causing pain and trauma to thousands of innocent people. Perhaps, in terms of its immediate relevance, that is a good thing, but at the same time I am heartbroken by recent events and the ongoing hostilities. It’s difficult to think of celebrating my new novel at such a troubled time.” 

  

Yaara’s family are all still in Israel, and so it is an anxious time for her and many other Israelis as well as Palestinians watching from a distance.  A lifelong peace activist, she has for many years worked with others to promote Palestinian rights both within Israel and in the Occupied Territories. She advocates for a peaceful and just solution to the conflict for everyone, is deeply disheartened by recent events and concerned at what the coming weeks may bring.

 

Her novel – which is set in both Israel and Devon –  tells the story of Abbie, an idealistic young girl growing up in an isolated kibbutz community, but who ends up leaving her homeland, never to return. It explores what it means to grow up in someone else’s Utopia, where the threat of war is ever present, and relationships are coloured by politics and ideology. 

 

Yaara is due to give a talk about the novel and the ongoing Israel-Palestine situation at the Ashburton Arts Centre on 23 November.

 

Night Swimming in the Jordan is published by Cinnamon Press and is available from the usual outlets.

 

ENDS