Nava Semel Book order

A love story as implausible as this must be true. Their first date was arranged by a professional matchmaker. A deal, a pragmatic matter that had nothing to do with romance - that's how it all began. Not long after the engagement was settled, Gabriel was sent to war. The year was 1914. Like Penelope and her Odysseus, Fanny waited for him. This was just the beginning of a romance spanning seven decades of passion and rage, desire and contempt, estrangement and attraction. This love story, set against a backdrop of the major historical events of the twentieth century, is also the story of the era's biggest Jewish dilemma: the choice between the promise of life in America and a new Jewish state in Palestine. While Fanny and Gabriel find themselves on opposite sides of this conflict, fate reunites them. Both a torment and an anchor, their love is an ember that never dies. Fanny and Gabriel are more than just incredible characters - they were author Nava Semel's very own grandmother and grandfather. With her unique literary talent, Semel weaves and reconstructs their story, piecing together the fragments of their extraordinary life. Fanny and Gabriel was first published in Israel in July 2017, just a few months before Semel's death. It topped the best seller lists, received rave reviews, and found an adoring audience of readers.

Set in 1930s Palestine, the narrative unfolds through the perspective of a 12-year-old illiterate boy, capturing the complexities of his world. The story highlights a young Jewish man's commitment to marrying East European women for patriotic reasons, while the boy navigates friendships with a dog named after Tarzan, his brother's first wife, and a neighbor girl. Semel crafts a poignant tale filled with love, pain, and promises, showcasing a vivid portrayal of humanity and resilience amidst challenging circumstances.

Focusing on the act of remembering rather than solely on historical events, this novel presents a unique narrative structure akin to a relay race, where characters share and pass on memories across time. It explores the complexities of memory in the context of the Holocaust, offering a fresh perspective on the impact of these experiences.