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Falafel: A Jewish Odyssey from Past to Present
Immerse yourself in Falafel, a thrilling historical adventure that spans a century and crosses three continents. This novel, rich in autobiographical elements, traces a dramatic journey from the Holocaust era to contemporary Israel.
Embark on a journey starting with the gripping events of 1934 Freiburg as Hitler ascends to power. Witness the harrowing escape of Hans and Margaret Weintraub from Nazi Germany to their new beginning in Bolivia, followed by the unnerving challenges their descendants face in building a nation.
The Weintraub legacy, intertwined with romance, intrigue, and perseverance—confronts the horrors of the Holocaust, the tests of survival, and the relentless battle against terrorism. The book’s title, Falafel, signifies a pivotal, near-fatal event at an Afula falafel stand for Amnon and Tzipi Yogev, symbolizing the enduring spirit of a family and nation.
Falafel transcends the boundaries of a mere novel; it’s a profound exploration of history, heroism, and the unyielding human spirit, encapsulated in cover art by Pnina Alon. Written by Hanan Alon, a man of deep experience and wisdom, having served twenty-five years in the IDF and eleven in the Ministry of Defense, both in Israel and abroad, this story is an homage to the past and a guiding light for the future.
Engage with this masterfully narrated tale, where each page is a passage through the depths of human emotion and the resilience of the human heart.
Embark on a journey starting with the gripping events of 1934 Freiburg as Hitler ascends to power. Witness the harrowing escape of Hans and Margaret Weintraub from Nazi Germany to their new beginning in Bolivia, followed by the unnerving challenges their descendants face in building a nation.
The Weintraub legacy, intertwined with romance, intrigue, and perseverance—confronts the horrors of the Holocaust, the tests of survival, and the relentless battle against terrorism. The book’s title, Falafel, signifies a pivotal, near-fatal event at an Afula falafel stand for Amnon and Tzipi Yogev, symbolizing the enduring spirit of a family and nation.
Falafel transcends the boundaries of a mere novel; it’s a profound exploration of history, heroism, and the unyielding human spirit, encapsulated in cover art by Pnina Alon. Written by Hanan Alon, a man of deep experience and wisdom, having served twenty-five years in the IDF and eleven in the Ministry of Defense, both in Israel and abroad, this story is an homage to the past and a guiding light for the future.
Engage with this masterfully narrated tale, where each page is a passage through the depths of human emotion and the resilience of the human heart.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2024
14 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 16, 2024
Hanan Alon’s book was an amazing family narrative that really personalized the experiences of Jewish emigres from Europe in the face of Nazism.
This multi-generational epic reveals the often conflicted family ideas and issues surrounding the conflict between an attachment to a place called “home” and having to relocate and start over in less than ideal circumstances: from plenty to poverty.
This story also shows the resilience and generosity of the Jewish community as they provided assistance and a sense of belonging that underscores the deep feeling among their compatriots. Part of the dedication to the Zionist dream is easier to understand after reading Alon’s history.
I was struck by the author’s willingness to show his history through a naked filter, with none of the idealism or excuses for less than perfect behavior that sometimes appear in personal accounts. Sometimes it was gritty, but he definitely shows a real family overtaken by not just global events, but also dealing with the day to day struggles of families everywhere.
On a personal level, I respect his candor, and have gained a new appreciation for the courage and resilience of those who had to leave everything behind due to the Nazi regime, and to start over in new lands.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This multi-generational epic reveals the often conflicted family ideas and issues surrounding the conflict between an attachment to a place called “home” and having to relocate and start over in less than ideal circumstances: from plenty to poverty.
This story also shows the resilience and generosity of the Jewish community as they provided assistance and a sense of belonging that underscores the deep feeling among their compatriots. Part of the dedication to the Zionist dream is easier to understand after reading Alon’s history.
I was struck by the author’s willingness to show his history through a naked filter, with none of the idealism or excuses for less than perfect behavior that sometimes appear in personal accounts. Sometimes it was gritty, but he definitely shows a real family overtaken by not just global events, but also dealing with the day to day struggles of families everywhere.
On a personal level, I respect his candor, and have gained a new appreciation for the courage and resilience of those who had to leave everything behind due to the Nazi regime, and to start over in new lands.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 of 1 review