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Bullet Holes
It’s the weekend of Manny’s bar mitzvah.
But even though this is a festive occasion, there is tension in the house.
The family has experienced tragedy – Manny’s twin, Danny, was killed in a school shooting less than a year ago.
Now, with the extended family and guests over, the family attempts to celebrate – but Danny’s absence and deep intra-familial political and religious divides threaten their marriages, their relationships, and the bar mitzvah itself.
Bullet Holes is a novel of the moment, reminding us of the humanity that is lost when we fail to see past political and ideological divisions.
But even though this is a festive occasion, there is tension in the house.
The family has experienced tragedy – Manny’s twin, Danny, was killed in a school shooting less than a year ago.
Now, with the extended family and guests over, the family attempts to celebrate – but Danny’s absence and deep intra-familial political and religious divides threaten their marriages, their relationships, and the bar mitzvah itself.
Bullet Holes is a novel of the moment, reminding us of the humanity that is lost when we fail to see past political and ideological divisions.
234 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2026
About the author
Norrin M. Ripsman
16 books12 followersNorrin M. Ripsman writes two kinds of books. He is a literary fiction author who has published a short story collection, Song Book, and a novel, The Oracle of Spring Garden Road.
He is also a professor of international relations, who has published nine books on neoclassical realism, the politics of peacemaking, and the political economy of security.
He was born in Canada and has lived in eleven cities in six countries. Currently, he lives in the United States and teaches in the International Relations department at Lehigh University, where he is the Monroe J. Rathbone Distinguished Professor.
He is also a professor of international relations, who has published nine books on neoclassical realism, the politics of peacemaking, and the political economy of security.
He was born in Canada and has lived in eleven cities in six countries. Currently, he lives in the United States and teaches in the International Relations department at Lehigh University, where he is the Monroe J. Rathbone Distinguished Professor.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 20, 2026
As a British citizen, I’ve always been intrigued by America’s gun laws and the split between Democratic and Republican viewpoints. Bullet Holes explored this area with finesse, focusing on the devastating psychological impact of gun tragedy on a family who’ve lost their son, Danny, in a school shooting.
This author has a remarkable ability to paint a clear picture in my mind of the characters who make up this immersive story. Literary descriptions utilizing the five senses created evocative images. For example, Gary, who has lost one of his twin sons in the shooting, is described as having “oversized brown eyes—not unlike those of a panda bear, kind and gentle, with an underlying hint of sadness . . .” Unlike his wife, Pauline, who is trapped in a mindset of all-consuming grief, Gary longs to move forward and reclaim what’s left of his life.
For me, this book provides insight into contemporary American society and the underlying issues that exist surrounding gun laws. Contentious stuff! These differing viewpoints are explored through the divide that exists between Gary’s parents (the conservative Grossbergs) and Pauline’s (the liberal Perlmutters). A shifting third-person perspective really helped me get into the mindsets of each individual character, seeing things through their eyes. The tension mounts as viewpoints clash. For instance, when politics is brought up at the Shabbat table, the mood instantly changes: “Gary glanced terror-stricken at his father, whose attention was laser-focused on his cloth napkin.”
One character I really felt for was Pauline. The death of her son has left her emotionally drained and aloof. As Manny’s bar mitzvah unfolded (Danny was his twin brother), I was glued to the pages. The suspense heightens as her seemingly impenetrable layers are stripped away, revealing her true feelings of rage.
I also felt for her husband, Gary. I can’t help but feel that their marriage was one of the most saddening aspects of this book. A vast rift exists between them, not to mention their different political stances, which creates yet another divide. This powerful simile from Pauline’s POV in chapter eight made me feel the true extent of their estrangement from one another after Danny’s death: “It was as if she were staring at an unfamiliar object, an obscure artifact in a museum that had nothing whatsoever to do with her life . . .” It was devastating to see a loving husband and wife become strangers to one another. I must admit, this aspect of the novel sent me on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster!
With its shifting third-person point of view and sharp focus on political controversy, I think readers who enjoy contemporary and psychological fiction are bound to be engaged by this book. I like the way a seemingly innocuous family bar mitzvah celebration triggers underlying family tensions, revealing the multiple truths of different perspectives in carefully structured chapters. Heartily recommended!
At a Glance
Bullet Holes is a literary contemporary fiction novel about a Jewish family navigating grief, political division, and marital estrangement in the wake of a school shooting. The story unfolds through shifting third-person perspectives, exploring both conservative and liberal viewpoints with emotional depth and psychological precision.
Best for Readers Who Enjoy
Contemporary fiction, political fiction, psychological family drama, literary fiction, books about gun violence, grief and loss narratives, marriage in crisis, dual perspectives, books with social commentary, character-driven literary novels
This author has a remarkable ability to paint a clear picture in my mind of the characters who make up this immersive story. Literary descriptions utilizing the five senses created evocative images. For example, Gary, who has lost one of his twin sons in the shooting, is described as having “oversized brown eyes—not unlike those of a panda bear, kind and gentle, with an underlying hint of sadness . . .” Unlike his wife, Pauline, who is trapped in a mindset of all-consuming grief, Gary longs to move forward and reclaim what’s left of his life.
For me, this book provides insight into contemporary American society and the underlying issues that exist surrounding gun laws. Contentious stuff! These differing viewpoints are explored through the divide that exists between Gary’s parents (the conservative Grossbergs) and Pauline’s (the liberal Perlmutters). A shifting third-person perspective really helped me get into the mindsets of each individual character, seeing things through their eyes. The tension mounts as viewpoints clash. For instance, when politics is brought up at the Shabbat table, the mood instantly changes: “Gary glanced terror-stricken at his father, whose attention was laser-focused on his cloth napkin.”
One character I really felt for was Pauline. The death of her son has left her emotionally drained and aloof. As Manny’s bar mitzvah unfolded (Danny was his twin brother), I was glued to the pages. The suspense heightens as her seemingly impenetrable layers are stripped away, revealing her true feelings of rage.
I also felt for her husband, Gary. I can’t help but feel that their marriage was one of the most saddening aspects of this book. A vast rift exists between them, not to mention their different political stances, which creates yet another divide. This powerful simile from Pauline’s POV in chapter eight made me feel the true extent of their estrangement from one another after Danny’s death: “It was as if she were staring at an unfamiliar object, an obscure artifact in a museum that had nothing whatsoever to do with her life . . .” It was devastating to see a loving husband and wife become strangers to one another. I must admit, this aspect of the novel sent me on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster!
With its shifting third-person point of view and sharp focus on political controversy, I think readers who enjoy contemporary and psychological fiction are bound to be engaged by this book. I like the way a seemingly innocuous family bar mitzvah celebration triggers underlying family tensions, revealing the multiple truths of different perspectives in carefully structured chapters. Heartily recommended!
At a Glance
Bullet Holes is a literary contemporary fiction novel about a Jewish family navigating grief, political division, and marital estrangement in the wake of a school shooting. The story unfolds through shifting third-person perspectives, exploring both conservative and liberal viewpoints with emotional depth and psychological precision.
Best for Readers Who Enjoy
Contemporary fiction, political fiction, psychological family drama, literary fiction, books about gun violence, grief and loss narratives, marriage in crisis, dual perspectives, books with social commentary, character-driven literary novels
August 30, 2026
This was extremely deep and moving. Very emotional and touched my soul. Well written and extremely thought provoking.
August 14, 2026
Bullet Holes is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores grief, family, and the deep divisions that can exist within the people closest to us. I really appreciated how the story brings together a major family celebration with the weight of an unimaginable loss, creating an atmosphere filled with tension and emotion.
The characters and their relationships make the story especially compelling, while the political and religious disagreements add another meaningful layer to the narrative. What stood out to me most was the book’s focus on humanity and the importance of looking beyond our differences.
A moving, timely, and emotionally resonant read that stays with you after the final page. Definitely deserving of five stars.
The characters and their relationships make the story especially compelling, while the political and religious disagreements add another meaningful layer to the narrative. What stood out to me most was the book’s focus on humanity and the importance of looking beyond our differences.
A moving, timely, and emotionally resonant read that stays with you after the final page. Definitely deserving of five stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bullet Holes, a captivating work of fiction by Norrin M. Ripsman, delves into the life of a father who yearns to be a different person from his own father. The narrative centers around a twelve-year-old boy named Danny, whose tragic death at school profoundly impacts his family and leaves lasting effects on their lives. Through vivid descriptions and poignant moments, the author paints a poignant picture of the complexities of family dynamics and the enduring bonds that transcend even the most devastating circumstances.
May 12, 2026
Beautifully heartbreaking! A novel about the enduring impact of gun violence on an American family. The novel is both gripping and moving. A real conversation starter.
July 31, 2026
Powerful!
August 2, 2026
Bullet Holes is an important novel that tackles the issue of gun violence in America. Ripsman paints a haunting portrait of an American family in the aftermath of a school shooting. Must reading!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews