Zeruya Shalev Book order

“Zeruya Shalev is one of my favorite contemporary writers, her work always spiky and original, and Pain is a searing book, a wild and ravenous story of family entanglement and impossible yearning.” —Lauren Groff, author of Florida and Fates and Furies A powerful, astute novel that exposes how old passions can return, testing our capacity to make choices about what is most essential in life. Ten years after she was seriously injured in a terrorist attack, the pain comes back to torment Iris. But that is not all: Eitan, the love of her youth, also comes back into her life. Though their relationship ended many years ago, she was more deeply wounded when he left her than by the suicide bomber who blew himself up next to her. Iris's marriage is stagnant. Her two children have grown up and are almost independent; she herself has become a dedicated, successful school principal. Now, after years without passion and joy, Eitan brings them back into her life. But she must concoct all sorts of lies to conceal her affair from her family, and the lies become more and more complicated. Is this an impossible predicament, or on the contrary a scintillating revelation of the many ways life's twists and turns can bring us to a place we would never have expected to be?

The narrative explores the emotional turmoil and complexities of a disintegrating marriage, delving into the characters' struggles and the impact of their relationship on their lives. It captures the raw feelings of love, betrayal, and heartache, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the challenges of maintaining connection amidst chaos. Through vivid storytelling, the book reveals the personal battles and transformative moments that define the couple's journey, making it a poignant reflection on love's fragility.

Exploring the complexities of desire and obsession, the story follows Yaara, a young married woman who embarks on a passionate affair with Aryeh, an enigmatic older man. Drawn to his strength and mystery, Yaara abandons her devoted husband, only to confront the duality of her attraction, which oscillates between allure and repulsion. The narrative delves into the psychological depths of her obsession, juxtaposing the sacred and profane while revealing the tumultuous nature of love and self-discovery.