Alive and Beating

by Rebecca Wolf

Inspired by a true story, Rebecca Wolf’s debut novel, “Alive and Beating,” follows six people from diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods throughout Jerusalem, all desperately in need of organ transplants, on the day their lives will forever be changed. In a place where ancient divides often seem insurmountable, these six characters—Leah, a Hasidic young woman; Yael, a daughter of Holocaust survivors; Hoda, a Palestinian hairdresser; David, an Iraqi restaurant owner; Severin, a Catholic priest; and Youssef and Yosef, two teenage boys whose fates are inextricably linked—are united despite their differences by a shared goal of becoming healthy and finding meaning in their lives. Wolf’s masterful storytelling is a testament to the belief that life can be renewed, faith can transcend boundaries, and that at our core, we all share a common humanity.

Genres: Fiction, Middle East, Literary Fiction

244 pages, Hardcover

First published March 11, 2025

About the author

Rebecca Wolf is a former journalist whose fiction and essays have appeared in many publications, including Apricity and Tablet. She is a volunteer writing tutor for PEN America’s Prison Writing Program, and she lived in Jerusalem as a foreign student before attending Barnard College. She lives in New Jersey with her family.

Reviews

[Kait Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book is incredibly special.

I have only cried in 2 other books in my life and I sobbed when I finished this book, especially reading the authors note.

This book humanizes the experience of 6 different patients waiting for an organ transplant.
This takes place in Jerusalem, with 6 very different cultures, families, and religious practices.

If you don’t know anything about the history of the region of Israel, it is quite fascinating, and still very contentious.


This book made me feel so incredibly grateful for my health! It also gave so much empathy for families that are in the wait for that special call that a match is available.

This was deeply emotional. The relationships were written masterfully.

This will be one of my favorites of 2025.

[Allison Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know that feeling when you finish a book and think “wow - I just read something special that will stay with me?” That is how I felt about Alive and Beating. Each chapter is a short story with a character that is inextricably tied to one in another chapter - all recipients of organs donated by a young woman who was tragically murdered (this isn’t a spoiler alert!). The author has such an easy writing style that makes you want to read more and more - each detail is envisioned in your head as the characters develop. (I couldn’t put it down and finished it over a weekend.) It’s a beautiful story with messages that run far deeper than the plot line - about being human, about our differences on the outside, and about the struggles people walk around with that no one knows about. I truly can’t believe this is her first book - I am looking forward to reading many more novels from this talented author!

[Rae (Rachel) Lipkin-Bajor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story written by an amazing author!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… this book is incredible! I cried so much while reading it, and I truly believe it’s an important read for everyone. In April 1995, a terrorist bombed a bus in Jerusalem, killing several people and injuring many more. Among those who lost their lives was Alisa Flatow. As an organ donor, she saved the lives of six others, each from different backgrounds.

Even in the darkest of moments we see hope and love! One of my favourite quotes from the Talmud is “whoever saves a life, it is considered as if they saved the entire world”. We rejoice in life!

Rebecca Wolf’s writing is brilliant, and telling this story was so important. It’s a book that will stay with me for life.

[Milena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alive and Beating is a powerful, timely, heart-wrenching, but ultimately hopeful story of one organ donor's impact on the lives of numerous people and their families. Alive and Beating is a fictional novel inspired by the true story of Alisa Flatow, a young Jewish American woman killed in a terrorist attack in Israel in April of 1995. Her family donated her organs, saving multiple people and raising awareness about organ donation when Israel suffered from a donor shortage due to religious beliefs.

Rebecca Wolf tells the complex story with empathy and sensitivity, reminding us that beyond religious, ethnic, and cultural differences, we all have similar struggles, hopes, and aspirations. Alive and Beating is a short novel with a big and important message. It is an outstanding debut. I cannot recommend it enough!

[EHReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read in my entire life. Wolf's extraordinary writing and strong research shines through each page, and I feel as if I personally know each character she artfully created. This book made me cry and smile all at once, and it shows the hope and humanity of the world. A 100% must read.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this had been an emotional reading experience for me. Set in Israel, the story opens with Hannah, a scholarship student whose life is tragically cut short by a bombing. What follows is a moving exploration of lives after her death—not for Hannah, but for the individuals who received her donated organs. Each chapter delves into the lives of these recipients, offering a raw and intimate glimpse into their physical struggles, emotional burdens, and the complex ethical dilemma of benefiting from someone else’s tragedy.

What struck me most was how the novel subtly weaves in the historical and political backdrop of the Middle East. Through personal stories, Wolf captures the displacement and tension experienced by people in the region. The book is both heartbreaking and inspiring, offering a deeply human perspective on illness, survival, and connection. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a novel that balances pain with hope—and who wants to reflect on the fragility and interconnectedness of life.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent debut novel by author Rebecca Wolf. The story is gripping and I COULD NOT put it down! It’s a must read which portrays so many facets of life in the Middle East! Highly recommend.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This deeply personal debut was readable, compelling and emotional. Inspired by true events, the author writes compellingly about the lives of vastly different religious and ethnic people living in Jerusalem with a common thread of mental health, chronic illness and disability.

The five individuals at the centre of this story lead interconnected lives and each are in need of an organ donor. When a suicide bomber kills a young Jewish American student, they each get the wish they've been longing for with life-changing results.

I was sent a gifted copy of this book by the author and voluntarily read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own but I highly recommend it for anyone looking to learn more about the diverse groups of people living in Jerusalem and the common bonds of humanity we all share in spite of our differences. A perfect book for book clubs!!

*I couldn't give this one a full five stars mainly because we're left not knowing what happens after the organ transplant surgeries! I wanted more than the way the book ends with things left unresolved.

CW: kidney failure, liver disease, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, cardiac disease, depression, anxiety, anger (and much more)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent!!

[alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book reminded me a lot of Kristin Hannah’s books. i’m very much a literary reader and while a lot of people love the way that Kristin Hannah writes, it does not work for me and leaves me feeling separated from the characters because we are being told things from a distance, rather than being shown their thoughts and leaving things up for our own interpretation. there is a lack of subtlety, nuance and ambiguity. the language is simple and almost feels juvenile because it is clunky and the dialogue is awkward and doesn’t feel like an accurate representation of the way that people actually talk. for this reason i didn’t feel much of a connection to the characters, but the subject matter of the book made up for it. it is based on a true story so while this book does feel quite contrived, it is inspired by real people and is clearly very dear to the author’s heart.

unlike Kristin Hannah, i do feel like the author did a lot of research and this book is telling important stories about people whose experiences are not often shared in the popular culture. we spend time with a Hasidic Jewish young woman, a daughter of Jewish Holocaust survivors, a Muslim Palestinian hair dresser, an Iraqi restaurant owner and an Irish Catholic priest. all of these people are in poor health and are urgently awaiting various types of transplants. we get insight into what their daily lives in Jerusalem are like and also get details regarding their medical conditions.

i am neither a doctor, nor have i ever been to Jerusalem so i learned a lot about different cultures and the medical aspects of their conditions as well. it also paints a picture of Jerusalem that i hadn’t previously been exposed to and has made me consider travelling there once the 🍉 situation is resolved 🫶

as a STAUNCH atheist, i thoroughly appreciated the way this book was able to put me in the shoes of a type of person i have very little in common with. it’s the type of book that will likely garner empathy for others in its readers and that is something to be celebrated. one of the main reasons i read books is to become a more understanding and empathetic person and this book does a great job showcasing how so many different cultures are able to coexist in one place ❤️‍🔥

[Leah M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Rebecca Wolf for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Reading a debut novel is always exciting—I don’t know what to expect from the author’s writing style, the characters, the plot, even the setting, but I do know that I’m going to get to meet a new world. If it all clicks, I’ve found a new favorite author to support. If not, I can review and pass it along to someone it resonates more deeply with. But when I was given the opportunity to read and review a debut book, inspired by factual events, set in one of my favorite places in the world, I couldn’t pass on it.

I was completely engrossed before I had even gotten to the first chapter, because I was raptly intrigued by the opening two scenes. To start with, the true heroine of the story is only mentioned by name twice in those two opening scenes. We have a visual of who she was in two of the happiest and most alive—the day that she leaves for a semester abroad in Israel with a friend from NYU, and in the last moments of her life, while she is on a bus with her roommate, traveling to the beach for a few days of pre-Passover vacation.

Heads up, there is a suicide bombing and death right up front in the first chapter. The story takes place around the time of the second intifada, when suicide bombings targeting civilians were common (yep, the same intifada kumquats are calling to be globalized). What makes this book remarkable is not how this young woman lived her life, but how one uncommon decision that she made during her life impacted the lives of so many others—because she chose to be an organ donor and happened to die in Israel. Both Jewish and Muslim people have religious prohibitions against desecration of the body, which is widely accepted to include organ donation or autopsies, leading to a shortage of organs for people in need.

Readers are treated into a bit of insight into who she was before switching perspectives into the lives of the very diverse people living in Israel who are in need of an organ. Rather than dividing the story into chapter titles, the chapters are labeled by organ. We get to understand just a little bit about the person who is in need of that organ, and the lives that they live. It is just as easy to slip into the shoes of one character as another, and an insight that feels like a sneak peek into lives that aren’t typically seen by a casual observer, yet each character still feels genuine and well-rounded.

Among the many things that I enjoyed about this novel, one that stands out is the way that Wolf manages to boil people down to their bare essence when they’re defined by the need for an organ transplant. Each organ transplant candidate has been forced to sideline their dreams as a vital part of their body slowly begins to fail. It isn’t difficult to empathize and find identification in some part of the story of each individual character, and as someone who has become disabled in the last decade, I can identify with the sense of frustration in being limited by your own body. Wolf humanizes each character (despite naming the chapter after the organ) by helping readers see that no matter how different these characters are (ranging from ultra-Orthodox [Haredi] Jews to secular Jews, Palestinian Muslims, and a Catholic priest), they’re all the same deep down: each person has a life, something to live for, a purpose they haven’t accomplished, and they are fighting their hardest to hang on long enough for an organ to become available.

As you can imagine, a book set in Israel being published always sets off the trolls, but Wolf did a fantastic job of portraying everyday life for six people who get a second chance at life because someone died. She doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics—starting with a suicide bombing, the idea of organ donation in a society that has viewed it as taboo but are starting to have changing attitudes, the guilt that organ recipients might feel because they’ve benefited from the death of another, the intersection of Jews and Arabs and Christians and Muslims all sharing the same tiny piece of land, approximately the size of New Jersey, and the way each of them have so much more in common than they have differences. She accurately captures the way that the vast majority of the people are able to successfully coexist, while a suicide bombing can create a shockwave of people who are affected. Don’t think that she erases away the difficulties that have affected Israeli society, both in the early days of the country and into more recent days. The story boldly dives into the different treatment that Jewish refugees experienced, depending on where they came from, despite all seeking refuge from discrimination; the tense interactions between Israelis and Palestinians and how that can sometimes explode into something catastrophic through one poor choice; and the way neighborhoods in Jerusalem are segregated (not mandated), so the Haredi Jews all live in one area, secular Jews live in another area, Palestinians in their own communities, etc, yet all of these different people and groups cross paths regularly.

Overall, this is a gripping and realistic read, and the fact that it was inspired by real events during her own best friend’s semester abroad, where she was killed by a suicide bombing, donated her organs, and how this one brave act allowed not only people in need of organs to benefit, but changed the way that Israeli society looked at organ donation. I loved how we are introduced to each character and get to spend some time in their life with them to get to know who they really are and what their health is preventing them from doing. We know that they are the one the initial character’s organs will go to, but the story wraps up with a sense of not being finished. This isn’t in a bad way, but it allows us to fill in the blanks for the characters in a way that feels right to us. I typically despise books with open-ended conclusions, but in this case, the ending takes us full circle, to the initial character who set off the chain of events, and has one more thing to say at the end of the story, and that is what gives it a sense of closure—she knows about the lives that have been changed as a result of her death, and it left me in awe of the book. And just when I thought it couldn't get any more meaningful, the author writes a note about her friend who inspired this story, and it made this book even more meaningful. This is a strong debut, with beautiful writing and that special way with stories that allows you to personally connect with each of the different characters and feel as though you are experiencing the events right along with them. I can’t wait to see what else Rebecca Wolf writes next, and she’s the newest author on my auto-buy list.

[Paulina Bellantonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d like to thank Rebecca for reaching out to me personally about reading this book. The premise sounded intriguing and I was curious how it would work out on paper.

Have you ever read a book that you were afraid to review? Not because it was bad, but because it was so amazing that you couldn’t find the words to do it justice. Well this is that book!

Rebecca, this book is a beautiful tribute to your friend. You did her proud and I know she is smiling down on you, even all these years after her passing. And hopefully, she is still living on in the people her organs saved.

I really was nervous reading this - because I wasn’t sure it could be pulled off so seamlessly and so eloquently.

Here we have six organs that save six lives. The book is set in Israel so if you’re like me you think these organs will save the lives of six Jewish people. Nothing wrong with that but too predictable. But that’s not what happens. We have a Hasidic woman, a child of Holocaust survivors, a Palestinian, an Iraqi, a Catholic priest. Not only did these organs save lives that were diverse, but Rebecca found a way to intricately weave connections between them and it was simply incredible.

This story isn’t meant to be sad. Yes, the woman who dies because of a suicide bomber - well she dies. But her family gives the gift of life through organ donation and with that gift, there comes hope, gratitude, and a new lease on life, for people who were in dire situations.

If you want to read something different; something that will keep you interested and pull at your heart strings - go get this book! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

I’m afraid I still did not do it justice, so you really just need to pick it up and see for yourself!

[Jenna]

💫 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 💫 ⁣
𝘉𝘺 𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘤𝘢 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘧 ⁣
𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘣𝘶𝘵 ⁣
𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥: 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝟷𝟷.𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻 ⁣
⁣
Inspired by a true story of the author‘s childhood friend, the book set out to show the humanity in connection by the simple process of organ donation. And while I say simple, historically the concept of brain death under Jewish law tradition was too murky to give a clear answer about whether it was acceptable. So, as the author explains, Israel suffered from a donor shortage. This book opens the eyes of the readers into Jewish and Muslim traditions and how at the heart of it all… this story is the humanity of connection. ⁣
⁣
I am not Jewish nor am I Muslim. I am a thoughtful reader though who loves to learn about traditions and values of faith around the world. This book feels like it is coming out at a time when the pain and suffering of so many have been in the news. So I would be lying if I didn’t say that I wasn’t thinking about all of it while I turned the pages. While this book reads like a debut, it emulates the hopefulness of peace to the voices of people who just want a future to look towards. And the connectivity of all of us. ⁣
⁣
Thank you to the indie debut author for the gifted copy. May it reach many hands and hearts! ⁣

3.75 ⭐️

[Charlene (pageandplace) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six lives forever changed by one. One life tragic taken too soon.
This story, inspired by a true life event, follows six people on the day they receive word of becoming a transplant recipient. Six people from diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods throughout Jerusalem are about to have their lives forever changed by one person they have never met before.

This book had me in tears at the end knowing this was based on a real life event. In 1995, Alisa Flatow was killed by a suicide bomber in Jerusalem. In one day, she saved six lives because of her organ donations. This book, although fiction, truly reminds you that there is still good in the world despite tragedy. Organ donations are a deeply personal decision; one that can bring joy and second chances to someone else.

I am so glad to have had the opportunity to read this book. I read it in one sitting and felt deeply connected to each person. I recommend giving this book a read!

Thank you to the author, Rebecca Wolf, for the opportunity to read this book. I received a gifted copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Jindi (readingwithcaffeine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written and such a powerful, compelling read. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this from Rebecca as she thought I’d love it and boy, was she right! Alive and Beating is more than just a heartbreaking story, it’s a look into different cultures, an insight into those that are seriously ill and dives deep into the medical conditions that people all over the world battle with each day.

Although the topics covered are tough to read, the book itself is easy to get through as it’s on the shorter side. The author’s note at the end left me with a permanent lump in my throat. I wasn’t familiar with the true events that this book is based off, but I felt compelled after reading to research Alisa. What a touching and beautiful tribute to your friend. Unforgettable.

[Sofie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alive and Beating is a deeply moving novel that explores personal and cultural challenges against the backdrop of profound tragedy, exploring the unexpected hope that can arise from loss. The story follows six Jerusalem residents, each from a unique background fighting a life-altering illness, whose lives are unknowingly linked by a sole organ donor. Though the protagonists do not interact directly, overlapping relationships further unify their stories, emphasizing the close-knit nature of Jerusalem and the intricate ways its diverse communities intertwine. Through rich storytelling, the novel poignantly captures individual hardships, the complexities, challenges, and beauty of life in Israel, while highlighting the deep connections that bind its people. A truly beautiful tribute—I highly recommend it!

[Calley Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alive and Beating by Rebecca Wolf completely pulled me in from the start. The writing is heartfelt and the characters are so vivid that I felt truly connected to their journeys. It’s a beautiful, emotional story that really lingers even after you finish.

The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because I found myself wishing for a bit more closure. I really wanted to know what happened to the characters after the transplants. Still, I loved this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a moving, well told story.

[Ania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, @rebeccawlf for sending me a copy of your book

Inspired by a true story, Alive and Beating follows six Jerusalem residents from vastly different backgrounds. They are all waiting for life-saving organ transplants.
The author shares this story with compassion and clarity. The book illustrates that despite our many differences, we are bound by universal hopes and fears. Alive and Beating may be brief, but its message is powerful.
The story ended very abruptly and I was left wanting more.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite genre! Fiction but based on real events! Where do I start? I'm not even sure. I've heard of a "book hangover," and I honestly didn't think a book could affect me to the point where I'm still feeling emotions days later. Writing this review brought my numbness back. I use the word numbness because that is honestly what I felt with tears in my eyes after every chapter! I liked how the book was set up with every character having their own chapter or section with their story. I think the characters touched on a person struggles and process of needing a transplant. It just about kills me to not know what happens to the characters and their love ones once they get the phone call an organ is available. I would love a book 2, but sometimes in life you don't know what comes next in people's lives once they go on to their next chapter!

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very special book
Loved every character
A gorgeous tribute to Aliza Flatow A'H

[Susan Kleinman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Wolf’s debut novel is inspired by the true story of the author’s friend, Alisa Flatow, who was murdered by Palestinian terrorists in Israel in 1995. Her parents decided to donate her organs, and the novel inspired by that selfless act follows six fictional Jerusalemites from different backgrounds who are waiting for -and receive- the gift that will save their lives. These stories are complex and character driven, and profoundly moving without being sappy. And although the book starts with an act of political violence, it is not about that, and is not at all political or agenda-laden). Rather, it is a story about the humanity that connects all of us. A wonderful read.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was kindly gifted an Arc copy of this book from the author herself and thoroughly enjoyed reading the 6 different stories of people from different backgrounds in need of a transplant due to their own organs and bodies failing them. I related to a lot of their stories on a personal level being chronically ill and felt for them through their health battles.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Huge thanks to Ms. Rebecca Wolf for the Advanced Reader's Copy I was sent in exchange for my honest review below!]

Imagine two teenage boys, sitting in their shared hospital room, every day waiting on new hearts. “It’s weird, isn’t it, wishing that someone will die?” one boy remarks. The other boy says in turn, “I definitely wouldn’t want to meet them. What if they’re disappointed that it was me?”

Their story is the final chapter of his incredibly thought-provoking, emotionally loaded book about the lives of the millions of people around the world waiting on viable organs. Ms. Rebecca Wolf writes here six intertwined stories set in Israel/Palestine, each story concerning a character waiting on one of the six transplantable solid organs in the body: the lungs, the pancreas, the liver, the two kidneys, and the heart.

As an approaching reader, you may wonder why this book has must be set in Israel/Palestine: is it clickbait? Is it exploitative of the current genocide in Gaza? Actually, there is a very good reason for this setting, something you may not know about if you haven't studied organ transplantation.

Like many others in this part of the world except Iran, Israel has historically struggled with organ transplantation for very valid cultural and religious reasons. Both Jews and Muslims have explicit commandments in their scriptures detailing strict burial practices that prohibit the desecration of the body after death. Furthermore, the concept of brain death has been a difficult one to reconcile with death as it is understood by Jewish law. Unfortunately, this has led to severe organ shortages (much worse than the terrible situation in the USA) and fueled a burgeoning transplant tourism market that Israel quickly became notorious for in the organ trade. In the 1990s-early 2000s, you could fly to Israel and pay $120,000 for a kidney. Brokers would put ads on the radio & papers. The entire operation would be done undercover, fast but with no guarantees of your safety or that of the donor’s. There have been numerous exposés about this unethical trading in international news, and yes, the sociopolitical conflict between Israel and Palestine gets mixed into it too. In 2009, the Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet published an article accusing Israeli troops of stealing organs from Palestinians in custody, a practice which was later confirmed by Yehuda Hiss, a transplant surgeon who admitted to harvesting organs without consent or notice at Abu Kabir Forensic Institute (no joke, look it up). These days the cheaper place to go is either the Philippines or India; Israel finally outlawed organ trade in 2008.

I could write a whole paper on this issue. There is so much to unpack here, enough in fact to fill a whole university course. But instead of teaching you about the legal and ethical implications of organ transplantation (and the black market that surrounds it), this book pivots you to step into the lives of those waiting for the organs instead—and this is why I think Ms. Wolf, in writing this novel, has done something monumentally important.

In medicine, we speak of everything technical about the procedure. In law, we talk of mores, ethics, economics, and practical realities. But in fiction, there is space to explore the human stories, which are the very stories that provide weight and importance to the difficult issues that medicine & law try to address. This human component is very easy to forget, especially when we speak of organ transplantation, one of the miracles of modern medicine. As a critical care clinician, organ transplant makes me think of the complex care the patient will require and the multidisciplinary effort it will take from the care team to achieve success. But for those on the waitlist, often through no fault of their own, an available organ is exactly that: a miracle, a gift of life, a second chance.

In situating her stories in this politically fraught part of the world, Ms. Wolf adds an additional layer and allows us a glimpse of what ‘normal life’ is like on the daily for Jews and Muslims, Israelis and Palestinians, Hasids and Mizrahis, who all live side by side in neighboring communities, trying to cope with severe chronic illnesses that bring them all together on a level plane. A father struggles with his debility and feelings of uselessness. A mother fights to keep her daughter’s illness secret to avoid the stigma her community will tag on to her other children. A daughter wonders if she has it in her to undergo another double-lung transplant as her current lungs begin to fail, because she remembers how traumatic it was to be a critically ill patient on the ventilator and trapped in a bed. (We don’t talk about this enough in the field, but patients often leave the ICU with PTSD.) And then, of course, there are the two boys, Yosef and Youssef, their lives on hold and their youths passing them by as they wait on new, healthy hearts.

These are real stories of human life in extremis. To face death everyday—not in the distance abstract way we all do but with the cold, sharp reality of a needle going into your arm or the fifty pills you have to swallow to stay alive—to face such a thing requires a level of grit and resilience most of us will luckily never have to know. I’ve seen it in so many of my patients and yet I struggle to describe it on paper. The questions they grapple with—the questions this book throws at you—are immense and of unfathomable weight: am I worth my family’s suffering? What if an organ becomes available, but it’s from a Jew / a Muslim — can I compromise my principles? Why does God allow such pain when we’ve suffered so much? Who has to die so that I might live?

At this point you must be thinking: how depressing, why would anyone want to read this? But don’t pretend—you’re intrigued. You want to read it. You want to know, because these questions are the kind that are universal to the human experience, questions that help us grapple with the meaning of life, the reality of death, grief, and how to live with the truth that none of us ever truly own ourselves entirely.

I won’t deny that this book is heavy and people should be aware of that going in. But rest assured that Ms. Wolf handles the complexity—both of the human dilemma and the socio-political tensions—with respect and grace. Despite having to represent complex diseases, this text is accessible for laypersons who know nothing about organs or medicine. My only criticism (minor) is that sometimes the narration suffers from “telling instead of showing.” But I was able to read this in one go, in one sitting, and rest assured it was no hardship.

Anyone interested in the medicine and ethics of organ trade and transplantation should pick this up. If you also want to see a nuanced, human side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that doesn’t just revolve around politics, this is a good—if small—window into the intimate details of that world. We need more of these stories around, so that we don’t forget that while war rages on, people on the ground have problems of daily life to deal with that don’t stop. Their lives are the human cost of these conflicts that we cannot forget. ●

[Isabel (IAmBookALicious) · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the heart of this work of fiction, inspired by a true story of a Jewish organ donor in Israel, lies a moving tale of life, loss, and connection. One donor, six organs, and six lives forever changed. Each chapter follows someone awaiting a transplant, weaving together lives bound by illness, hope, and generosity. A powerful reminder of how deeply these moments ripple through families and communities.

This theme resonated with me on a personal level, as my father received a kidney transplant almost 20 years ago. I will never forget how exhausted he was on the days he had dialysis and I will forever remember the night we received “THE CALL”! The moment that, after many failed attempts, changed our lives forever.

The story also immerses readers in the traditions of Jewish, Arab, and Christian communities. From halek date dishes to burial customs that return the body directly to the earth, often in a simple wooden coffin (or none at all) with soil from Israel sometimes added as a spiritual gesture. It does not shy away from the harsh realities of these cultures, especially the challenges faced by women. I learned so much, like how women are discouraged from visiting salons because beauty is believed to come from within, and how cultural and religious divides can run so deep that an organ from a Jewish donor may not be welcomed by a Muslim recipient, no matter how desperate the need.

I loved the vivid contrasts: the white thobe and ghutra of Muslims, the black hats and coats of Hasidic Jews, and the small group of Christians guarding the holy sites (Custodia Terra Sancta). Small but meaningful details stood out, too, like learning that motek is a Hebrew term of endearment meaning “sweetheart” or “honey.”

Overall, I came away feeling enriched, reminded that no matter our background or religion, we are all human beings…a message that feels especially important in today’s climate.

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!

Many thanks to the author for kindly sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Congrats Rebecca Wolf! I think it’s safe to say your friend Alisa Flatow is alive and beating in the pages of your book ❤️

Follow me on Instagram at @i.am.book.a.licious for more bookish content.

[WHTTR (Who Has Time To Read?) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a heartbeat in a silent room—delicate, defiant, and impossible to ignore.


Rebecca Wolf’s Alive and Beating is a masterful, multi-perspective novel that pulses with compassion, tension, and moral depth. Set primarily in Israel, this story doesn’t just follow one or two protagonists—it tracks a network of lives caught in the messy crosscurrents of grief, faith, medicine, politics, and family expectation.

What begins as a tale of a promising young woman’s tragic accident evolves into a wide-ranging emotional and spiritual inquiry: What happens to the people left behind? What does it mean to give—and to receive—something as intimate as an organ? And how do our religious, cultural, and personal convictions help or hinder us in moments of crisis?

Wolf excels at portraying a rich cast of characters—mothers, siblings, doctors, rabbis, caregivers—each fully realized, each wrestling with their own internal contradictions. From the secular American family to the ultra-Orthodox Jerusalem household, the novel draws sharp, empathetic portraits without caricature or judgment. The dialogue feels real. The stakes are always human.

Stylistically, the prose is accessible yet intelligent—grounded in sharp emotional detail, with just enough lyricism to elevate the everyday into something luminous. Wolf neither over-explains nor undercuts the reader’s intelligence. Instead, she invites us to sit inside moral uncertainty and stay there awhile.

This is not just a book about death or survival—it’s about the unseen systems that shape us: religion, medicine, patriarchy, family legacy, and personal will. In less skilled hands, a novel like this might have buckled under the weight of its themes. But here, every strand is treated with care. The result is deeply affecting, often challenging, and utterly unforgettable.

Recommended for fans of literary fiction that blends ethical questions with emotional honesty—think Jodi Picoult meets Nicole Krauss.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alive and Beating is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel, shedding light on the complex world of organ donation.

Alive and Beating is inspired by the life of Alisa Flatow, a high school friend of Rebecca’s, who tragically lost her life in a suicide bombing in Israel in 1995 at the age of 20. In the aftermath, Alisa’s family made the profound decision to donate her organs, saving multiple lives.

In Judaism we say, “one who saves a life is as if he has saved an entire world.”

While some may question organ donation within the context of Jewish law, due to the tradition of burial in whole, Rebecca shares how Alisa’s story inspired thousands of Jewish people worldwide to register as donors.

The novel follows six people from diverse backgrounds throughout Jerusalem, all desperately in need of organ transplants, on the day their lives will forever be changed.

What makes this book so powerful is its universal message, that regardless of religion, race, gender, age or location, anyone can find themselves in need of an organ transplant.

Each story in Alive and Beating is compelling, and the novel explores tough ethical questions like:

· Would you accept an organ from someone of a different religion?
· Should recipients and donor families be able to learn each other’s identities?
· What happens when multiple people are in need, but there’s only one organ?
· How do you cope with the knowledge that someone must die for you to live?

I finished Alive and Beating in just two days, moved by the human stories at its heart.

Alive and Beating reminds us of the powerful impact of organ donation, and how one person’s selfless act can change countless lives.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Wolf's Alive and Beating is a stunning debut that delicately captures the raw humanity of individuals navigating trauma, identity, and hope in the heart of Israel. Set largely within the walls of a Jerusalem hospital, the novel intertwines the lives of characters from different backgrounds—Jewish and Arab, religious and secular—each facing their own life-altering crisis. What emerges is a deeply moving tapestry of interconnection and shared humanity.

Told through a series of interwoven narratives, Wolf offers a rich and nuanced portrait of Israeli society. Without flinching from the country's political and religious divides, she also manages to illuminate moments of grace and reconciliation—glimpses of understanding and humor exchanged in a place where life and death hang in the balance. The hospital becomes a powerful symbol of equality and hope, where divisions dissolve and people see each other simply as human beings in need.

Wolf’s prose invites you to empathize with each character—to feel their burdens, their fears, and their quiet strength. Her storytelling is emotionally resonant, often heart-wrenching, yet never without a thread of optimism. As the narrative unfolds over the course of a single day, you’re pulled into the immediacy of each moment, the urgency of each life on the brink.

The ending doesn’t just conclude the story—it lingers. The characters stay with you long after the last page, their lives echoing in your thoughts. That lingering presence, that emotional weight, is precisely the novel's triumph. Alive and Beating is not just a book—it’s a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that beneath the surface of conflict, we are more alike than we are different.

[Ola S · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Alive and Beating” by Rebecca Wolf is a powerful, deeply human story about how one tragic event can ripple across the lives of many. Based on the true story of the author’s childhood friend, the book follows six individuals in Jerusalem who receive organ transplants from a victim of terrorism. Each chapter focuses on one recipient and the organ they received, making for an intimate structure.

The recipients come from diverse backgrounds, across religions, cultures, and life experiences… highlighting not only the divisions that exist in society but also the unexpected ways in which we are united. This short but emotionally resonant book explores themes of loss, connection, and hope.

After the Alissa’s family donated her organs, the former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin said:
“Alissa’s heart is alive and beating here in Jerusalem.”
(That’s where Rebecca got the inspiration for the title.)

This passage perfectly captures the message of this story: from unimaginable grief, life continues.

For those of you who haven’t heard of this book, go find it, buy it, read it. Firstly it’s a captivating story and secondly, Rebecca is an indie author. Let’s support the indie world!

Thank you, Rebecca, for sending me this book. It was a moving experience to read about how your friend’s family’s heartbreaking decision ultimately saved and transformed the lives of strangers.

My heart goes out to all victims of terrorism.


For those that didn’t know: Organ donation raises questions within the Jewish faith, especially the debate over the definition of death and its religious implications.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is inspired by the true story of the author's close friend, who was killed in a 1995 suicide bombing in Israel. The novel imagines the lives of the six people who will receive organ transplants from the victim. When a young woman tragically dies in a bus bombing in Jerusalem, her organ donations become lifelines for six strangers: Leah, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish woman avoiding the stigma of illness; Yael, the daughter of Holocaust survivors battling pulmonary failure; Hoda, a Palestinian hairdresser supporting her sons; David, an Iraqi restaurateur weakened by liver disease; Father Severin, a Catholic priest wrestling with his faith and the possibility of adoption; and two teenage boys—Yousef and Yosef, one Muslim, one Jewish—bonding over shared heartbreak in a hospital ward. Through their voices, the novel offers glimpses into the heartbeats of a contested city, weaving a rich tapestry of grief, hope, and humanity.

I love how the author weaves together multiple perspectives to honor her friend’s legacy, the diversity of Jerusalem, and our shared humanity. The setting of Jerusalem feels vivid without needing heavy exposition. Each character’s story stands strong on its own while contributing to a broader sense of unity. This is a heartfelt and layered novel that explores how a single act of generosity can reverberate across a city divided. It is a reminder that even in places marked by division, life—fragile, urgent, and miraculous—can connect us all.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...