To the End of the Land

David Grossman, 2010

Date read: 10/21/24

I knew from when I started this novel how it would end, and I was correct. I had not predicted how soul-gutting it would be, especially as a mom, especially as a mom with severe anxiety and trauma resulting from sudden, unpredictable death. I felt so much of Ora's fear and, especially as I am myself divorced, the loneliness of being left, of the breaking up of the family, and feeling that everything has been dropped on your shoulders.

I also appreciated, during this time of Israeli-Palestinian war, that Grossman did a good job articulating the ambiguity that most Israelis, I imagine, feel about Arabs. It's a fucked up situation regardless what side you come from.

Excellent novel, highly recommend.