The Lover

Allison is a graduate student from Canada studying for a few months at Tel Aviv University. This petite, blonde young lady is asked about her identity from the moment she arrives, “You don’t look Jewish” the taxi driver questions her. Allison studies words, ancient texts and languages. She has a strained relationship with her sister and an unexceptional one with her parents. Allie wants to explore the world, she dreams of falling in love. One day on a bus ride a soldier sits next to her. Eyal strikes up a conversation and although he is clearly younger, their chemistry is undeniable. They fall passionately in love. Despite their age difference it is probably the most profound feelings either of them has ever had. His family quickly folds Allie into their comfortable nest and she has never been happier. As she tries to find a grant to extend her stay, Allie befriends a fellow student at the University who is Palestinian. To Allie she is exotic, beautiful and mysterious and with no ill intent initially, Allie is compelled to get closer to her. At the same time Eyal must go on a dangerous mission into Gaza. As Allie examines the complicated emotions that heighten with Eyal and her new secret friendship, she cannot deny that her sister’s harsh criticisms are making more sense. The writing is exquisite in this heartfelt, meaningful look at self exploration in a not so perfect world. I truly could not put this one down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️