Perfect Enemy

by Alex J. Sinclair

In a covert laboratory under the streets of Tel Aviv, Akiva Cohen, an Israeli scientist, clones Hitler from old samples of his DNA.

Akiva wants to change the world for the good; but he is betrayed by those who want to use this new Hitler for unimaginable terror.

Akiva is plunged into a desperate struggle to stay alive and salvage his dream, leading to a trail of murders across the country, collaboration with Hamas terrorists, and the uncovering of a devastating conspiracy at the highest levels of Israeli society.

Perfect Enemy is an exciting, suspenseful thriller that poses uncomfortable questions about war and peace, trauma and revenge, religious extremism, and the schisms of the Middle East.

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2023

Reviews

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel has an absolutely unhinged premise but it's a thought-provoking read. Imagines an Israeli scientist who gets recruited for a top-secret project to use remnants of Hitler's DNA to create a Hitler clone - and chaos emerges when the project's participants realize their motivations and plans for New Hitler sharply contrast (shocker - some of them want to use New Hitler for bad things!). Absurdity ensues. This book was written pre-October 7, and reading it post-October 7, while Israel commits a horrific genocide in Gaza, felt a little too real.

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Enemy is an excellent window on to the deepest difficulties of Israeli life. It grapples with both the echoes of the Jewish past and how they affect Israeli Jews today, and contemporary problems relating to Israeli Jewish-Palestinian relations. I was particularly drawn to the love story, which is vivid and sympathetic. As I raced through the book, I was equally motivated by my hope to see a good ending for the characters as I was by its propulsive plot. I highly recommend this novel to both lovers of thrillers and anyone who hopes to deepen their knowledge of Israeli society in an engaging and fun way. I was glad to receive this book in exchange for an honest review, and am sure you will be very glad to read it!

[Shira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read, Now More Than Ever!

I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of Alex Sinclair’s Perfect Enemy. I strongly recommend it. If you want a window into the diverse and complicated relationships between those who call Israel and Palestine home this is the way to get that view, with the added benefit of thrills and romance! The premise is provocative and the characters draw the reader in. Some scenes will read differently now, after Oct 7th, but Sinclair addresses this with sensitivity in his updated preface. If you want a break from doom scrolling please check out Perfect Enemy for both fun and perspective.

[Beth Pechman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The background of Arab vs. Israeli, occupied territories, and unrest in the middle east, is profoundly real right now.
The premise of the story, cloning of Hitler, is disturbing and far-fetched. The actual idea of this is so unsettling.

There was intrigue, betrayal, love and redemption. Enough to make me read to the end.
I just hope this is all pure fiction!

[Randi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is hard to suspend disbelief and buy into the plot and the ending was (very?) naive. The writing is excellent so the novel moves quickly and i does give a window into the variety of narratives held by those living in the Middle East

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the beginning. Sinclair creates an *almost* unbelievable scenario that draws the reader in from the get-go. I want a sequel to find out what happens next!

[Lisa]

Recommended on The Promised Podcast by Linda Gradstein