Ephraim's Bones

by David De Wolf

Joseph Lichtman, a young man from Frankfurt, is determined to escape the culture of the ghetto, still dominant fifty years after Napoleon. Dramatically, he not only leaves his family, but also steps back from his faith.

Reaching Cologne, he successfully climbs the cultural and social ladder as a journalist. But the higher he gets – losing himself in the rich life of the enlightened circles of European culture – the more he experiences his own limitations and ultimately, emptiness. In the end, his detachment and loose liberal views land him in a Venetian prison.


Joseph’s search for light and spiritual freedom, against the background of the ongoing enmity against Jews in Europe, eventually brings him to Palestine. There, he faces the challenges of this new land with his wife and son in a complex blend of cultures and religions. He eventually witnesses the courageous, but unsuccessful attempt to start a new agricultural settlement, Petach Tikva. Joseph endures the harsh conditions of his new land with emotional consequences. In time, these experiences lead him to recognize a good greater than his own well-being.

416 pages, Paperback

Published April 25, 2022

About the author

David de Wolf was born in the Netherlands and studied Dutch Language and the History of Art at the University of Nijmegen. He graduated with a Master of Arts on the architecture of the Italian Renaissance.

Since then he has worked as journalist, a tour guide in Italy, and, since 1995, as an independent communications manager. In 2011, he moved to Israel and now lives with his family about 20 kilometers north of Tel Aviv.

In 2013, he published his first literary novel, Solace of Stone. In 2022, his second novel Ephraim’s Bones was published.

Reviews

[Jamie Baruch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterfully crafted historical novel that transcends time. From the very first page, I was captivated by the poetic language. The historical backdrop is meticulously researched, and the author seamlessly integrates it into the narrative. The characters are deeply nuanced, their emotions and struggles resonate with the reader on a profound level. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, unable to put the book down, as the story unfolded with unexpected twists and turns. An evocative exploration of the human spirit and the timeless aspects of the human condition. Looking forward to David de Wolf's next novel.

[Perlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sincere effort to capture the challenges and responses to Enlightenment, through the story of its protagonist. The title remain a mystery until later in the book. While the writing is sometimes didactic, this is an ambitious tale, trying to wrap in famous figures of the time, philosophies, and movements. There are moments of beauty and touching poignancy. I think a gifted editor could have made this even more powerful.

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!