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The Lonely Tree
Tonia Shulman does not share her father's dream - forging a Jewish State out of the chaos of British Mandate Palestine. She hates the hardships of life in Kfar Etzion - an isolated kibbutz south of Jerusalem - clearing rocky hillsides, bathing in rationed cups of trucked-in water, and being confined behind barbed wire. Her own dreams have nothing to do with national self-realization; she longs for steaming bubble baths and down comforters, but most of all for a place on earth where she can feel safe. She is in love with Amos, but refuses to acknowledge these feelings. She knows he will never leave his homeland and Tonia plans to emigrate to America. But can she really begin a new life there?
Tonia's story in The Lonely Tree is interwoven with the true story of Kfar Etzion, a kibbutz that was overrun by the Arab Legion during pre-War of Independence hostilities.
Tonia's story in The Lonely Tree is interwoven with the true story of Kfar Etzion, a kibbutz that was overrun by the Arab Legion during pre-War of Independence hostilities.
- GenresIsraelHistorical Fiction
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2008
198 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Yael Politis
13 books57 followersI grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, in the house on the cover of Book 3 of the Olivia series, not far from the location of Olivia's farm.
While studying at the Universities of Michigan and Wisconsin, I spent two summers in Israel and ended up coming back to make my life here. Since then I've spent a lot of time traveling between the Middle East and the Midwest, loving both my homes.
While living on Kibbutz Ein Tsurim I learned the story of the Etzion Bloc during Israel’s War of Independence – from people who had lived through it. It was many years before I dared to try to put it down on paper. At that time, fantasies aside, I considered writing nothing more than a hobby.
I did, however, post the first chapters of The Lonely Tree on a writers' workshop run by the London Arts Council. There it received a Book of the Year award and Holland Park Press of London asked to see the complete manuscript. Not long afterwards I received an email from them. “We want to publish your book.” Hey, you never know when a fantasy is going to come true.
For years I had been researching the backdrop for Olivia's story and based many of the details in the Olivia Series on letters and journals passed down through my family, over seven generations of lives lived in the American Midwest. I also received a great deal of information and insight from my sister Martha, who lived with her husband in a modern log home, hunted her own land, cut her own firewood, and was as independent and stubborn as Olivia. Then self-publishing happened. The prospect of being able to publish that story independently was a great motivator, and I finally completed and published the five books of the Olivia series.
While studying at the Universities of Michigan and Wisconsin, I spent two summers in Israel and ended up coming back to make my life here. Since then I've spent a lot of time traveling between the Middle East and the Midwest, loving both my homes.
While living on Kibbutz Ein Tsurim I learned the story of the Etzion Bloc during Israel’s War of Independence – from people who had lived through it. It was many years before I dared to try to put it down on paper. At that time, fantasies aside, I considered writing nothing more than a hobby.
I did, however, post the first chapters of The Lonely Tree on a writers' workshop run by the London Arts Council. There it received a Book of the Year award and Holland Park Press of London asked to see the complete manuscript. Not long afterwards I received an email from them. “We want to publish your book.” Hey, you never know when a fantasy is going to come true.
For years I had been researching the backdrop for Olivia's story and based many of the details in the Olivia Series on letters and journals passed down through my family, over seven generations of lives lived in the American Midwest. I also received a great deal of information and insight from my sister Martha, who lived with her husband in a modern log home, hunted her own land, cut her own firewood, and was as independent and stubborn as Olivia. Then self-publishing happened. The prospect of being able to publish that story independently was a great motivator, and I finally completed and published the five books of the Olivia series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 19, 2018
This was a well researched historical fiction novel about creating a Jewish State out of the chaos of British Mandate Palestine after WWII. Not only did the Jewish people have to deal with poor land for farming and lack of water for crops, they had to deal with the Arabs who didn't want them there and they had little help from the English government who controlled the area. There was frequent bloodshed and war during the time period of this book from 1946 until the 6 Day War in 1967.
Tonia, the main character is a young girl of 15 when the novel begins. Her father is determined to move the family to a kibbutz near Jerusalem and make farm land out of desert. Life on the kibbutz is very difficult and Tonia is not happy with the move - she wants to go to school and have an easier life and is not as idealistic about creating a Jewish nation as the rest of her family. Her dream is to go to America where she knows that life will be easier. At the kibbutz, she meets Amos and though she is attracted to him she knows that they don't have a future together because she will not give up her dream of going to America.
This is a wonderful well written novel that will teach readers about the beginning of the current problems in the middle east. It's a novel about war and peace, family and friends but mostly it's about love - love of family, love of friends and love of country.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Tonia, the main character is a young girl of 15 when the novel begins. Her father is determined to move the family to a kibbutz near Jerusalem and make farm land out of desert. Life on the kibbutz is very difficult and Tonia is not happy with the move - she wants to go to school and have an easier life and is not as idealistic about creating a Jewish nation as the rest of her family. Her dream is to go to America where she knows that life will be easier. At the kibbutz, she meets Amos and though she is attracted to him she knows that they don't have a future together because she will not give up her dream of going to America.
This is a wonderful well written novel that will teach readers about the beginning of the current problems in the middle east. It's a novel about war and peace, family and friends but mostly it's about love - love of family, love of friends and love of country.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
May 3, 2014
This is a fast paced, well-written historical novel/romance. It is truly an interesting and informative page turner - a Palestinian/Israeli "War (mostly) and Peace"
The author portrays the lives of the novel's chief protagonists, Tonia Shulman of Polish Jewish origin, and Amos Amrani of Yemeni Jewish origin in an attempt to bring life to the history of Palestine/Israel from the 1930s until the Six Day War (in 1967). She does this successfully.
Tonia's father is an idealistic Zionist, who lives and dies for the kibbutz that he helped to found. His daughter questions the value of her father's judgements and wishes to leave the Middle East as soon as she is able. While she is living on the kibbutz, she begins to develop an attraction for Amos. As the novel unfolds, the consequences of this are gradually revealed.
The lives of the Shulman and Amrani families are affected by the numerous conflicts between the Arabs and the Jews as they fight over territory in the area that is now called 'Israel'. This is all well described.
Other conflicts or contrasts are also explored. One of them is that between the ways of life of the 'occidental' Shulman family and the 'oriental' Amrani family. Another is the contrast between the colourless materialistic life experienced by Tonia in the suburbs of a town in Michigan (USA) and the warmth and intimacy of life in Israel.
My main problem with this enchanting story is that Tonia seems to have it too easy. Almost every crisis or difficulty that she has to face - and there are plenty of these - is too easily and quickly resolved a few lines after it has been introduced to the reader. I did not feel that the author explored these - often huge - difficulties in Tonia's life in sufficient depth. If she had done so, I suppose the book might have been more than twice as long!
I would recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in the history of the Jewish attempts to found a homeland in the Middle East and how the Arab people tried to thwart them. It has certainly made me want to learn more about the history of this troubled area.
The author portrays the lives of the novel's chief protagonists, Tonia Shulman of Polish Jewish origin, and Amos Amrani of Yemeni Jewish origin in an attempt to bring life to the history of Palestine/Israel from the 1930s until the Six Day War (in 1967). She does this successfully.
Tonia's father is an idealistic Zionist, who lives and dies for the kibbutz that he helped to found. His daughter questions the value of her father's judgements and wishes to leave the Middle East as soon as she is able. While she is living on the kibbutz, she begins to develop an attraction for Amos. As the novel unfolds, the consequences of this are gradually revealed.
The lives of the Shulman and Amrani families are affected by the numerous conflicts between the Arabs and the Jews as they fight over territory in the area that is now called 'Israel'. This is all well described.
Other conflicts or contrasts are also explored. One of them is that between the ways of life of the 'occidental' Shulman family and the 'oriental' Amrani family. Another is the contrast between the colourless materialistic life experienced by Tonia in the suburbs of a town in Michigan (USA) and the warmth and intimacy of life in Israel.
My main problem with this enchanting story is that Tonia seems to have it too easy. Almost every crisis or difficulty that she has to face - and there are plenty of these - is too easily and quickly resolved a few lines after it has been introduced to the reader. I did not feel that the author explored these - often huge - difficulties in Tonia's life in sufficient depth. If she had done so, I suppose the book might have been more than twice as long!
I would recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in the history of the Jewish attempts to found a homeland in the Middle East and how the Arab people tried to thwart them. It has certainly made me want to learn more about the history of this troubled area.
January 25, 2014
Tonia is a teenage girl whose family immigrates to British Mandate Palestine from Poland, only to be faced with the hardships of adjusting to a new language, a harsh land, and the constant threat of war and destruction. It is against this backdrop that she starts to doubt the ideology of her father, Joseph Shulman, who wishes to take root in this place. And as befits a young woman with a rebellious twist of mind, she goes against his wishes and finds herself drawn to Amos Amrani, a young man of Yemenite background, with “Large heavily lashed green eyes above hollow cheeks.” The contrasts between them are undeniable in more ways than one. Their political views and cultural upbringing are vastly different. Yet despite—or maybe because—of all this, they are destined to fall in love.
The plot resonates so well with me, because it brings back to me the place I grew up and because it reminds me of similar stories I have heard from my parents about this era. The descriptions and the references to historical events are authentic, and Tonia is a fascinating character. I find it particularly interesting that her path in the story traces the steps the author has taken in life—but in some places, in reverse. The paths of Ms. Politis and her character have crossed, reality and fiction have been brought together, which makes for a vivid and accurate historical detail. It also yields an intimate familiarity with the turmoil during this time, both politically and personally. Torn between love and the need for a safe place, Tonia must make tough decisions. She leaves Kfar Etzion in Israel, hoping to find the security she longs for in Michigan.
The title is deceptively simple. Named by the first settlers, the Lonely Tree stands for a large oak tree that in their minds, has become a symbol of the Etzion Bloc. Perhaps, to reflect the title more accurately, the cover should have featured a single, lonely tree instead of five in a row. The author describes the siege and fall of Kfar Etzion to the Arab Legion during hostilities, just before Israel’s War of Independence. Tonia’s father, Joseph Shulman is one of the fallen during the massacre that ensues. It is his voice, expressing faith in the future of the nation, that comes back from beyond the grave years later, when she goes back to visit the site. “Would you believe that we are too weak, too unworthy, to seize for ourselves a common destiny?”
Five stars.
The plot resonates so well with me, because it brings back to me the place I grew up and because it reminds me of similar stories I have heard from my parents about this era. The descriptions and the references to historical events are authentic, and Tonia is a fascinating character. I find it particularly interesting that her path in the story traces the steps the author has taken in life—but in some places, in reverse. The paths of Ms. Politis and her character have crossed, reality and fiction have been brought together, which makes for a vivid and accurate historical detail. It also yields an intimate familiarity with the turmoil during this time, both politically and personally. Torn between love and the need for a safe place, Tonia must make tough decisions. She leaves Kfar Etzion in Israel, hoping to find the security she longs for in Michigan.
The title is deceptively simple. Named by the first settlers, the Lonely Tree stands for a large oak tree that in their minds, has become a symbol of the Etzion Bloc. Perhaps, to reflect the title more accurately, the cover should have featured a single, lonely tree instead of five in a row. The author describes the siege and fall of Kfar Etzion to the Arab Legion during hostilities, just before Israel’s War of Independence. Tonia’s father, Joseph Shulman is one of the fallen during the massacre that ensues. It is his voice, expressing faith in the future of the nation, that comes back from beyond the grave years later, when she goes back to visit the site. “Would you believe that we are too weak, too unworthy, to seize for ourselves a common destiny?”
Five stars.
June 23, 2014
Imagine Barbara Taylor Bradford’s breakout novel, A Woman of Substance, set in the Middle East as Jews carve out a homeland from Palestine’s dry soil, and those they’ve left behind in Poland disappear into the Holocaust. Tonia resents the life her father has forced on the family, but joining him in the founding of a kibbutz doesn’t help. She dreams of America, white-walled mansions, luxury and ease. And she plants trees.
Wars both far and near threaten the family, and author Yael Politis does an excellent job of bringing readers into the mind of a child, resenting English unfairness in matters of State, while others acknowledge the breadth of a bigger picture. Israel’s promise is earned through death and destruction. Love hurts. And Tonia still dreams.
The building of a kibbutz contrasts with the horrors of war. Visions of America contrast with hardscrabble life and home-made tanks. Kfar Etzion becomes vividly real. Politics is cruel. And safe havens may never be as safe or comforting as we imagine. In the end, Tonia must decide which dream will fuel her future; is comfort worth more than duty? Is love worth more than ease? And can buried feelings, like buried treasure, ever truly be recovered?
I really enjoyed this novel, for its well-researched depiction of recent history, its starkly honest view of Israel’s birth, and its characters, wisdom and plot. Like a Woman of Substance, it tells a sprawling tale with wide scopse, centered on a strong woman’s dreams. The flavor changes as Tonia build a smaller future than her father's. But the novel's conclusions are anchored in powerfully wise advice, hard lessons, and enduring love.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.
Wars both far and near threaten the family, and author Yael Politis does an excellent job of bringing readers into the mind of a child, resenting English unfairness in matters of State, while others acknowledge the breadth of a bigger picture. Israel’s promise is earned through death and destruction. Love hurts. And Tonia still dreams.
The building of a kibbutz contrasts with the horrors of war. Visions of America contrast with hardscrabble life and home-made tanks. Kfar Etzion becomes vividly real. Politics is cruel. And safe havens may never be as safe or comforting as we imagine. In the end, Tonia must decide which dream will fuel her future; is comfort worth more than duty? Is love worth more than ease? And can buried feelings, like buried treasure, ever truly be recovered?
I really enjoyed this novel, for its well-researched depiction of recent history, its starkly honest view of Israel’s birth, and its characters, wisdom and plot. Like a Woman of Substance, it tells a sprawling tale with wide scopse, centered on a strong woman’s dreams. The flavor changes as Tonia build a smaller future than her father's. But the novel's conclusions are anchored in powerfully wise advice, hard lessons, and enduring love.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.
January 1, 2014
“The Lonely Tree” by Yael Politis tells the story of a Polish girl in Israel but also the story of Israel/ British Palestine before, during and after the foundation of the state of Israel in 1948.
Although I have read a few books on the subject I am always amazed at how many subtly different angles and perspectives there are to this dramatic and important moment of human history.
Apart from the personal tragedies described movingly and with poignant style there are also many important and thought provoking political and humanitarian observations.
As native German I read with great shame the reminder of Hitler’s book and his announcement of what would become later reality and history. Refugees from all over Europe came together in Israel after WWII only to be surrounded by equally open hostility. One of my favourite scenes in the book is the radio announcements on the vote for the state of Israel. The massacre of Kfar Etzion on May 13, 1948, just before the foundation is even more haunting seen in that context.
“The Lonely Tree” however does not simplify the issues and controversies but tells with greatly chosen characters the historical events and how they impacted on the people in the novel and in real life. Tonia the protagonist is far from happy in her religious and limiting surroundings and wants out. She is a perfect reminder that the settlement and the compromises were few people’s first choice. I found a lot of interesting thoughts in this novel while falling heavily for the characters.
For me this book is one of the reading highlights of the year, a powerful story that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
Although I have read a few books on the subject I am always amazed at how many subtly different angles and perspectives there are to this dramatic and important moment of human history.
Apart from the personal tragedies described movingly and with poignant style there are also many important and thought provoking political and humanitarian observations.
As native German I read with great shame the reminder of Hitler’s book and his announcement of what would become later reality and history. Refugees from all over Europe came together in Israel after WWII only to be surrounded by equally open hostility. One of my favourite scenes in the book is the radio announcements on the vote for the state of Israel. The massacre of Kfar Etzion on May 13, 1948, just before the foundation is even more haunting seen in that context.
“The Lonely Tree” however does not simplify the issues and controversies but tells with greatly chosen characters the historical events and how they impacted on the people in the novel and in real life. Tonia the protagonist is far from happy in her religious and limiting surroundings and wants out. She is a perfect reminder that the settlement and the compromises were few people’s first choice. I found a lot of interesting thoughts in this novel while falling heavily for the characters.
For me this book is one of the reading highlights of the year, a powerful story that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
November 22, 2011
“The Lonely Tree” is good story telling in a historically accurate background.
Over the years I have read numerous novels set in Middle East or about Jews. From Leon Uris' "Exodus", John Le Carre's "Little Drummer Girl", to Anita Diamant's "Red Tent" , the author has an agenda. The "fiction" is a vehicle for a political statement. The novel is a polemic.
Yael Politis does something refreshing. She writes a love story with British Mandate Palestine as the backdrop. Palestinian Jews living in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and in the then new Etzion Bloc, south of Bethlehem show the heterogeneous make up of Palestinian Jewry in the 30's and 40's: differences in ethnicity, politics and vision for the new Jewish society in the making.
Or not in the making, as in the case of the principle actor in the story. Tonia Shulman is a young girl, living in Tel Aviv with her mother and siblings in a cramped apartment while their idealistic father is working to establish a new kibbutz which is to become their permanent home . All Tonia can dream of is getting out of Palestine and going to America to make her fortune. She wants nothing to do with the Religious Zionist pioneer dream, or any other part of the drive to rebuild the Jewish homeland. Forced to live and work in the kibbutz, she plots her escape for years.
"The Lonely Tree" is a pleasure to read. I highly recommend it.
Over the years I have read numerous novels set in Middle East or about Jews. From Leon Uris' "Exodus", John Le Carre's "Little Drummer Girl", to Anita Diamant's "Red Tent" , the author has an agenda. The "fiction" is a vehicle for a political statement. The novel is a polemic.
Yael Politis does something refreshing. She writes a love story with British Mandate Palestine as the backdrop. Palestinian Jews living in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and in the then new Etzion Bloc, south of Bethlehem show the heterogeneous make up of Palestinian Jewry in the 30's and 40's: differences in ethnicity, politics and vision for the new Jewish society in the making.
Or not in the making, as in the case of the principle actor in the story. Tonia Shulman is a young girl, living in Tel Aviv with her mother and siblings in a cramped apartment while their idealistic father is working to establish a new kibbutz which is to become their permanent home . All Tonia can dream of is getting out of Palestine and going to America to make her fortune. She wants nothing to do with the Religious Zionist pioneer dream, or any other part of the drive to rebuild the Jewish homeland. Forced to live and work in the kibbutz, she plots her escape for years.
"The Lonely Tree" is a pleasure to read. I highly recommend it.
June 14, 2012
No false humility from me.
As I was writing this book I kept thinking, "I wish someone else was writing this, so I could read it."
As I was writing this book I kept thinking, "I wish someone else was writing this, so I could read it."
March 31, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Yael Politis has a keen understanding of how to connect a reader to characters. It didn't take long for me to become wholly invested in the lives of Tonia, Amos, Natan, and others. Unfortunately, because of this, I felt disappointed with the last half of the story.
The beginning was intriguing and built the protagonist as a stubborn, independent, strong woman who has no intention of bowing to anyone. She's a modern female in a war torn world.
Her time spent in America was well done. I impatiently waited for Amos with her, I was proud of her accomplishments, and I felt like she needed that time spent in a country not as submerged in horror.
But then the development took a disappointing turn.
I'm a huge romantic. My heart broke for Amos. I saw him as a caring, powerful man who was perfect for Tonia.
But then, all of a sudden, his character shifted into this jerk who treated Tonia like any other man would have treated her in this culture. To me, the Amos in the first half of the book wouldn't of treated her so callously.
Tonia's strength and independence wilted in the last half. I felt ferociously disappointed with her arc after America. The romance dissipated for me. I was frustrated with Amos. Yes, there were still flashes of good. Yes, I agreed that Tonia should end up in her home. But the watering down of her character was too bad.
Other than that, the author's depiction of the wars and the sickening treatment of the Jews was well done. Some passages seemed text book and rushed, but overall, they were clear and enriched the story behind the war.
As a whole, a solid 3 out of 5.
Yael Politis has a keen understanding of how to connect a reader to characters. It didn't take long for me to become wholly invested in the lives of Tonia, Amos, Natan, and others. Unfortunately, because of this, I felt disappointed with the last half of the story.
The beginning was intriguing and built the protagonist as a stubborn, independent, strong woman who has no intention of bowing to anyone. She's a modern female in a war torn world.
Her time spent in America was well done. I impatiently waited for Amos with her, I was proud of her accomplishments, and I felt like she needed that time spent in a country not as submerged in horror.
But then the development took a disappointing turn.
I'm a huge romantic. My heart broke for Amos. I saw him as a caring, powerful man who was perfect for Tonia.
But then, all of a sudden, his character shifted into this jerk who treated Tonia like any other man would have treated her in this culture. To me, the Amos in the first half of the book wouldn't of treated her so callously.
Tonia's strength and independence wilted in the last half. I felt ferociously disappointed with her arc after America. The romance dissipated for me. I was frustrated with Amos. Yes, there were still flashes of good. Yes, I agreed that Tonia should end up in her home. But the watering down of her character was too bad.
Other than that, the author's depiction of the wars and the sickening treatment of the Jews was well done. Some passages seemed text book and rushed, but overall, they were clear and enriched the story behind the war.
As a whole, a solid 3 out of 5.
January 25, 2011
The Lonely Tree by Yael Politis is a good read for people interested in family relationships, courtship, marriage, cultural identity, and the birth of the modern state of Israel. It spans the years 1934 to 1967, and follows young Tonia Schulman from Poland; to British Mandate Palestine; to Grand Rapids, Michigan; and back across the ocean to Israel. Tonia is a determined person. She knows what she wants and will stop at almost nothing to get it. But through the course of the book, she develops a new understanding of both the power and the perils of determination.
Tonia's father, Josef, is as determined as his daughter. His goal during the 1930s and 1940s is to help establish a new Jewish identity and society. To that end he is instrumental in founding a kibbutz in the hill country near Jerusalem. Called Kfar Etzion, the kibbutz is crowded and uncomfortable, with a communal dining hall, water rationing, and work—always lots of work. Tonia hates the place. She's determined to finish high school, leave Palestine, and make a new life for herself in America.
At the same time, she admires her family and the other kibbutzniks, admitting that thought their lives are difficult, they are purposeful. She's not indifferent to her people's need to shape a future for themselves and their descendants
Amos Amrani is more than aware of that need. He's a handsome young Yemenite Jew who fights in the Jewish underground. Though his and Tonia's goals and backgrounds are quite different, they fall in love.
Their budding romance is fraught with fear and danger because the Jews are repeatedly attacked by their Arab neighbors. In the spring of 1948, the Arabs lay siege to Tonia's home, Kfar Etzion. Despite its defenders' heroism, many of them die and the kibbutz is forced to surrender. Tonia's father, mumbling prayers, is killed by an exploding grenade. A day later, on May 14, 1948, the British mandate over Palestine expires and the independent State of Israel is declared.
Josef's long-held dream is coming true, but the people of the new State will face many challenges. Will Tonia stay to share them? Not if she can help it. She clings to her determination to reach her promised land, America. She turns her back on Amos, the love of her life, and enters into a marriage of convenience. Her goal is to use her new husband's money to establish a restaurant that will earn her enough so she can emigrate. She achieves that goal, pays back all the money her husband lent her, and divorces him. Then it's off to America, where the streets are paved with gold. Sort of.
Tonia arrives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in March 1953. She opens a bakery, buys the house she always dreamed of, and finds herself miserable. She misses the closeness of her extended family. She misses Amos and has no friends. Tonia tries to make friends among the Americans around her. However, she feels like an outsider with so many people who grew up there. A wise counselor tells her to decide who she wants to be. Maybe then she'll know where she wants to live. When Amos comes to Grand Rapids looking for her, Tonia immediately knows who and where. She wants to be Amos's wife and live where he lives—back in Israel.
Tonia and Amos's life together is far from easy. Tonia sometimes wonders why she left America. But deep down she knows she made the right choice.
The book is well written, with evocative descriptions, gripping action, well-realized characters, and authentic appeals to the emotions. It is suitable for senior high school through adult readers.
The Lonely Tree, published by Holland Park Press in 2010, is available online from the Holland Park Website. The url directly to the book is http://www.hollandparkpress.co.uk/boo... and it can be ordered from this page.
Tonia's father, Josef, is as determined as his daughter. His goal during the 1930s and 1940s is to help establish a new Jewish identity and society. To that end he is instrumental in founding a kibbutz in the hill country near Jerusalem. Called Kfar Etzion, the kibbutz is crowded and uncomfortable, with a communal dining hall, water rationing, and work—always lots of work. Tonia hates the place. She's determined to finish high school, leave Palestine, and make a new life for herself in America.
At the same time, she admires her family and the other kibbutzniks, admitting that thought their lives are difficult, they are purposeful. She's not indifferent to her people's need to shape a future for themselves and their descendants
Amos Amrani is more than aware of that need. He's a handsome young Yemenite Jew who fights in the Jewish underground. Though his and Tonia's goals and backgrounds are quite different, they fall in love.
Their budding romance is fraught with fear and danger because the Jews are repeatedly attacked by their Arab neighbors. In the spring of 1948, the Arabs lay siege to Tonia's home, Kfar Etzion. Despite its defenders' heroism, many of them die and the kibbutz is forced to surrender. Tonia's father, mumbling prayers, is killed by an exploding grenade. A day later, on May 14, 1948, the British mandate over Palestine expires and the independent State of Israel is declared.
Josef's long-held dream is coming true, but the people of the new State will face many challenges. Will Tonia stay to share them? Not if she can help it. She clings to her determination to reach her promised land, America. She turns her back on Amos, the love of her life, and enters into a marriage of convenience. Her goal is to use her new husband's money to establish a restaurant that will earn her enough so she can emigrate. She achieves that goal, pays back all the money her husband lent her, and divorces him. Then it's off to America, where the streets are paved with gold. Sort of.
Tonia arrives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in March 1953. She opens a bakery, buys the house she always dreamed of, and finds herself miserable. She misses the closeness of her extended family. She misses Amos and has no friends. Tonia tries to make friends among the Americans around her. However, she feels like an outsider with so many people who grew up there. A wise counselor tells her to decide who she wants to be. Maybe then she'll know where she wants to live. When Amos comes to Grand Rapids looking for her, Tonia immediately knows who and where. She wants to be Amos's wife and live where he lives—back in Israel.
Tonia and Amos's life together is far from easy. Tonia sometimes wonders why she left America. But deep down she knows she made the right choice.
The book is well written, with evocative descriptions, gripping action, well-realized characters, and authentic appeals to the emotions. It is suitable for senior high school through adult readers.
The Lonely Tree, published by Holland Park Press in 2010, is available online from the Holland Park Website. The url directly to the book is http://www.hollandparkpress.co.uk/boo... and it can be ordered from this page.
July 30, 2014
I was initially going to review a later work by this Author (Olivia, Mourning), but decided against that in favour of a review of their debut novel; a review of Olivia, Mourning will now appear later in the year. Given the current climate between Israel and Palestine, this is a book that anyone who is not familiar with Israel and its turbulent history should read.
Through the lives and words of the two main protagonists, this Author brings to life the history of Israel/British Palestine dating from the 1930’s up to the Six Day War in 1967. With great care the Author uses their characters to describe the impact historical events had on both fictional and actual people. The female protagonist was portrayed as being unhappy with her lot in life and wanting out, going to any means to achieve her dream. While I did not agree with a lot of the decisions this character made, it did not make me like her any less as it brought into the light the hardships and uncertainty that she and those around her were feeling in this time of change. This character is nothing if not determined but, as the novel progresses she develops a better understanding of the pitfalls this determination can bring, and also the power it can instil in a person. The male protagonist is a complete opposite to the female lead; he comes from a totally different background and has a belief structure that is at total odds to hers. However, despite this and the carnage of war that is exploding around them they develop a relationship. To say more about this would spoil their part in the story, and to find out how this progresses this book has to be read.
The Author’s writing style throughout this novel is excellent, they are eloquent without being boorish and this leads to a story that flows well and pulls the reader in from the very first page. Pulling on their links with Israel the Author adds an authenticity to their book that would otherwise have been missing if it had been based on purely research. If you have never been to Israel, this book will take you there and, if you have been as I have back in the late 1970’s, reading it will bring to mind all the places seen right down to the rusted military vehicles at the side of the road. As I read this book I was made to think of works by Leon Uris several times, as this Author captures the region with just as much clarity.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good well-paced and well written book, who also enjoys an historical novel based on fact and experience that shows through on every page. Surprisingly for me, as I’m not a lover of the romance genre, I did enjoy this part of the book too and was not the reason I rated this as 4 thumbs; that was because I did not want it to end.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2014/07/30...
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Through the lives and words of the two main protagonists, this Author brings to life the history of Israel/British Palestine dating from the 1930’s up to the Six Day War in 1967. With great care the Author uses their characters to describe the impact historical events had on both fictional and actual people. The female protagonist was portrayed as being unhappy with her lot in life and wanting out, going to any means to achieve her dream. While I did not agree with a lot of the decisions this character made, it did not make me like her any less as it brought into the light the hardships and uncertainty that she and those around her were feeling in this time of change. This character is nothing if not determined but, as the novel progresses she develops a better understanding of the pitfalls this determination can bring, and also the power it can instil in a person. The male protagonist is a complete opposite to the female lead; he comes from a totally different background and has a belief structure that is at total odds to hers. However, despite this and the carnage of war that is exploding around them they develop a relationship. To say more about this would spoil their part in the story, and to find out how this progresses this book has to be read.
The Author’s writing style throughout this novel is excellent, they are eloquent without being boorish and this leads to a story that flows well and pulls the reader in from the very first page. Pulling on their links with Israel the Author adds an authenticity to their book that would otherwise have been missing if it had been based on purely research. If you have never been to Israel, this book will take you there and, if you have been as I have back in the late 1970’s, reading it will bring to mind all the places seen right down to the rusted military vehicles at the side of the road. As I read this book I was made to think of works by Leon Uris several times, as this Author captures the region with just as much clarity.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good well-paced and well written book, who also enjoys an historical novel based on fact and experience that shows through on every page. Surprisingly for me, as I’m not a lover of the romance genre, I did enjoy this part of the book too and was not the reason I rated this as 4 thumbs; that was because I did not want it to end.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2014/07/30...
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
February 2, 2015
This is a thoughtful and intriguing story that transported me in time to 1930’s Israel/British Palestine. I was introduced to Tonia whose family had to leave Poland and moved in with her Aunt and Uncle in Tel Aviv, and eventually settled in a kibbutz that was established by her father. The historical detail and the turbulence of the times are poignantly written and historically accurate.
Tonia is a strong, determined and intriguing character that is deeply defined by the Author. The reader will be privy to the turmoil she feels inside about her father’s wishes to stay in the kibbutz and her longing to move to America and be safe from war and destruction. She will do whatever she has too to make her dream come true but will her dream really make her happy?
Amos Amrani is a young Yemenite man who fervently believes in his culture and his people. His views on politics are vastly different from Tonia’s, yet they are drawn together. He is also a character that is very strong and complex and you are instinctively drawn to him.
The Author manages to portray her story through these two main characters in a way that is totally consuming. She manages to blend the historical realities of that time to develop a story that is woven together with strong characters and circumstances that will totally capture your attention. The vivid picture painted of these characters and the supporting characters in this book will place a memorable image in your mind.
This story is written with great intelligence and attention to detail. This is not only a story that takes place amidst the turmoil and danger of war but also of two people who are so dissimilar in their ideology yet are drawn together despite their differences. You will be drawn in by the characters as the Author portrays the impact of historical events that take place in their lives.
I would highly recommend this book for its powerful and descriptive writing style. This book will take you on a journey to Israel that will open your eyes to the struggles and destruction of war and the fragility of life.
Tonia is a strong, determined and intriguing character that is deeply defined by the Author. The reader will be privy to the turmoil she feels inside about her father’s wishes to stay in the kibbutz and her longing to move to America and be safe from war and destruction. She will do whatever she has too to make her dream come true but will her dream really make her happy?
Amos Amrani is a young Yemenite man who fervently believes in his culture and his people. His views on politics are vastly different from Tonia’s, yet they are drawn together. He is also a character that is very strong and complex and you are instinctively drawn to him.
The Author manages to portray her story through these two main characters in a way that is totally consuming. She manages to blend the historical realities of that time to develop a story that is woven together with strong characters and circumstances that will totally capture your attention. The vivid picture painted of these characters and the supporting characters in this book will place a memorable image in your mind.
This story is written with great intelligence and attention to detail. This is not only a story that takes place amidst the turmoil and danger of war but also of two people who are so dissimilar in their ideology yet are drawn together despite their differences. You will be drawn in by the characters as the Author portrays the impact of historical events that take place in their lives.
I would highly recommend this book for its powerful and descriptive writing style. This book will take you on a journey to Israel that will open your eyes to the struggles and destruction of war and the fragility of life.
May 29, 2012
Full disclosure: Yael Politis is my mother.
I put off reading my mother's book because I didn't know how I would tell her if I didn't like it. However, I shouldn't have worried. Once I finally started reading I couldn't put it down and completely forgot that my mother had written it.
I like historical fiction in general so it was easy for me to connect to this book. I grew up in Israel and thought I knew a lot about Israeli history but I never knew about what happened in the Etzion Bloc until I read The Lonely Tree. The characters were also fascinating and I cared about what happened to them.
I'm very proud of my mother who wrote such an excellent book.
I put off reading my mother's book because I didn't know how I would tell her if I didn't like it. However, I shouldn't have worried. Once I finally started reading I couldn't put it down and completely forgot that my mother had written it.
I like historical fiction in general so it was easy for me to connect to this book. I grew up in Israel and thought I knew a lot about Israeli history but I never knew about what happened in the Etzion Bloc until I read The Lonely Tree. The characters were also fascinating and I cared about what happened to them.
I'm very proud of my mother who wrote such an excellent book.
February 3, 2012
“The Lonely Tree” has it all: a dramatic plot set in an exotic time and place—mainly Israel during the War of Independence—believable characters, and a love story. Historical details are accurate but unobtrusive, well integrated into the story of Tonia and Amos. The political, ethnic, and religious issues are depicted convincingly, and Politis manages to avoid the pitfalls of either propaganda or harsh criticism. It’s a fast, enjoyable read, and the story and characters stay fresh in the reader’s mind long after finishing the book.
March 3, 2012
This book really drew me into a time and place that I knew almost nothing about. We hear about this conflict almost daily, but I think most people are clueless as to its origins. This book (fortunately)does not provide a history lesson, but does give a great deal of insight into the lives of its characters. The stories of Tonia and Amos really kept me turning the pages and above all this book is a great read. But it also left me wanting to know more about the actual history. My thanks to the friend who recommended it to me.
October 14, 2012
From the days of the British Mandate to the end of the Six Day War, The Lonely Tree tells the story of Gush Etzion through the eyes of Tonia, exhausted by the demands, poverty and seeming futility of being the "brave pioneer girl" and her father Joseph who brought his family to the dusty plot land that was Kfar Etzion with dreams of building a Jewish nation. At first I didn't like Tonia, bitter and resentful of living on the Kfar Etzion kibbutz, but who could blame her from wanting to escape the hardships of settling the area and the endless fighting with violent Arab neighbors.
January 24, 2014
This is a well-crafted story of ambition, betrayal, self-betrayal and love, both romantic and familial. The protagonist Tonia is torn between her family, the violence of pre-Israel Palestine and the man she loves. She wants a better life and dreams of a perfect home in America. The twists and turns are well written and the plot holds the readers attention throughout. One or two not very important timeline errors, but a very enjoyable book, which I wanted to go on reading. However, all good things must come to an end.
Henry Tobias
Author and Editor
Henry Tobias
Author and Editor
December 15, 2012
This novel is beautifully crafted and effortlessy brings the characters to life. I was immediately drawn into their world of struggle and uncertainty. The conflict between Tonia and her father and Tonia and Amos is well done. The back story of the family's arrival in Palestine and life in the shadow of the ongoing sinister threat to the Jewish people of Europe is wonderfully and sadly conveyed. I highly recommend it.
December 16, 2012
The Lonely Tree captured and held my attention throughout.
It is both an interesting look at troubles in Israel/Palestine from a perspective that has not before been presented in fiction and a convincing view of life through the eyes of a teenage girl.
I thought the pace and characterization were close to perfect. We are given sufficient narrative to provide a compelling backdrop, but it does not distract us from Tonia's personal story.
It is both an interesting look at troubles in Israel/Palestine from a perspective that has not before been presented in fiction and a convincing view of life through the eyes of a teenage girl.
I thought the pace and characterization were close to perfect. We are given sufficient narrative to provide a compelling backdrop, but it does not distract us from Tonia's personal story.
December 16, 2012
A friend recommended this book to me and I happened to start reading it not long after finishing Tom Segev's 'One Palestine Complete', an excellent history of the same period. I loved the way Politis let us experience part of this time and place through Tonia's eyes and with no political ax to grind. The story was totally convincing and the family conflicts and romance with Amos rang true. Great read.
January 6, 2013
Beautifully written historical novel about a settlement in the Gush Etzion bloc, beginning before the creation of the state of Israel. A fairly classic romance and family drama superimposed over the facts of the various conflicts in Israel until 1967. An excellent read that happens to teach you a lot of history too.
November 28, 2012
I loved this book. Tonia is such a believable character and I was quickly drawn into her world. The story is obviously well-researched and true to history, but wonderful every day details add to the authenticity. It's a great depiction of people living in a harrowing time.
June 11, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. Highly recommend it as a truly moving love story and well-woven piece of history.
April 14, 2023
An enriching read
I have been fascinated by Israel for a while now, and this book only enhanced my infatuation with that little country in the Middle East.
At first, I was wary of how long the book was. But by the time I completed it, I could say that it couldn't have been shorter. In order to appreciate Tonia's story, it was very important to get the background right.
The writing is top-class. Very descriptive, very visual and never a word extra or a word less. There were very, very few copy-editing errors.
I liked all the characters, so human, so flawed and each one loyal to their essence. Tonia's character was especially relatable, her urge to flee a place that was poor and unsafe, and to settle in a country that wasn't war-torn, which didn't have paucity of water (heartbreaking) and where one could flourish.
I may not agree with everything that Tonia did, but she was completely relatable! Other characters were likeable too, though I would have loved to know more about Natan and Rina (Tonia's siblings).
The story-telling was truly vivid and rich, I experienced a whole range of emotions and felt very engaged throughout. Whenever I am able to visit Israel, I will be looking for the landmarks and the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem neighbourhoods mentioned in this book.
I am so glad I discovered this author, and found her books on KU. I have already started reading the second book in her 'Israel' series - The Summer of 1974 - and imagine my joy when I discover that it has some familiar characters as background cast.
Highly recommended.
I have been fascinated by Israel for a while now, and this book only enhanced my infatuation with that little country in the Middle East.
At first, I was wary of how long the book was. But by the time I completed it, I could say that it couldn't have been shorter. In order to appreciate Tonia's story, it was very important to get the background right.
The writing is top-class. Very descriptive, very visual and never a word extra or a word less. There were very, very few copy-editing errors.
I liked all the characters, so human, so flawed and each one loyal to their essence. Tonia's character was especially relatable, her urge to flee a place that was poor and unsafe, and to settle in a country that wasn't war-torn, which didn't have paucity of water (heartbreaking) and where one could flourish.
I may not agree with everything that Tonia did, but she was completely relatable! Other characters were likeable too, though I would have loved to know more about Natan and Rina (Tonia's siblings).
The story-telling was truly vivid and rich, I experienced a whole range of emotions and felt very engaged throughout. Whenever I am able to visit Israel, I will be looking for the landmarks and the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem neighbourhoods mentioned in this book.
I am so glad I discovered this author, and found her books on KU. I have already started reading the second book in her 'Israel' series - The Summer of 1974 - and imagine my joy when I discover that it has some familiar characters as background cast.
Highly recommended.
March 4, 2021
I am not quite sure what I think of this author. This is the second of her books I’ve read. I finish them. But wonder why. The first 1/2 -2/3 of The LonelyTree was really good. The last part was like a really long epilogue. Tying up the last of the nation of Israel’s wars for independence. Finishing in 1967. The facts are there and many of the major battles. From 1940 on. This book was different from others I’ve read and gave a whole new perspective through Tonia’s eyes. Her struggle to want more, her loss, to feel safe and not live in a war zone for the rest of her finally coming to terms with what’s really important. I really enjoyed that. But then it felt like a really long epilogue that was included just to get the rest of the history packed into the book. With no significant character story line. There is one chapter in the book that was totally unnecessary. This isn’t a ‘bodice ripper’ and the chapter didn’t add to the story.
October 11, 2023
A Different Perspective
This book relays the Jews' struggle to reclaim Israel as their homeland, but from a different perspective. It's told primarily from the point of view of Tonia, brought with her brother and sister from Poland before Hitler began his "final solution." She is the only family member who doesn't share or even understand her parents' dream of a Jewish state. We see the ordeal through the eyes of someone who sees it as senseless, who wants to go to America where life would be easy.
Politis deftly contrasts Tonia's opinions with those of her family, their fellow kibbutzim, and other Israelis. I finished this book feeling almost as if I'd been there myself. Seeing the struggle through Tonia's eyes gave me a new appreciation for what it took to create the Israel that I so admire.
This book relays the Jews' struggle to reclaim Israel as their homeland, but from a different perspective. It's told primarily from the point of view of Tonia, brought with her brother and sister from Poland before Hitler began his "final solution." She is the only family member who doesn't share or even understand her parents' dream of a Jewish state. We see the ordeal through the eyes of someone who sees it as senseless, who wants to go to America where life would be easy.
Politis deftly contrasts Tonia's opinions with those of her family, their fellow kibbutzim, and other Israelis. I finished this book feeling almost as if I'd been there myself. Seeing the struggle through Tonia's eyes gave me a new appreciation for what it took to create the Israel that I so admire.
May 5, 2018
This author always gives the reader plenty to think about.
Tonia is a brilliant, headstrong child in Israel. This follows her life and her family during World War II through the six days war. I found this character controversial for me. She challenged my beliefs and made me think, especially when I disagreed with her.
That is a sign of a good book, it not only tells an engrossing story, it makes the reader think and feel and challenge themselves.
The author relates the horror of war, and the difficult choices people must make in a very compassionate way through her characters to help educate the reader. I came away with a better understanding of the challenges faced by today's refugees.
I would highly recommend this book to all who want to learn more about our world.
Tonia is a brilliant, headstrong child in Israel. This follows her life and her family during World War II through the six days war. I found this character controversial for me. She challenged my beliefs and made me think, especially when I disagreed with her.
That is a sign of a good book, it not only tells an engrossing story, it makes the reader think and feel and challenge themselves.
The author relates the horror of war, and the difficult choices people must make in a very compassionate way through her characters to help educate the reader. I came away with a better understanding of the challenges faced by today's refugees.
I would highly recommend this book to all who want to learn more about our world.
October 14, 2021
Ever since I heard of the Holocaust, my heart has ached for the land and people of Israel. This book weaves a poignant story of a pioneer family in the Kfar Etzion bloc and the intense battles waged in the mind and body of countless Israelites. No matter who you support in the geopolitical strife between the Israelites and Palestinians, you will reflect on the countless losses and wounds inflicted by war on the dead and the living. This is a must read book for one to understand the true struggle of the stateless Jews who have known loss and war for more than 7 decades.
July 11, 2021
The Lonely Tree
This Author is a fantastic story teller, I find it very hard to set her written word down once I begin reading. Her characters are so believable; Tonia & Amos,, their families, all people you would like to know. Oh my word, the places, the wars you read about & heard about on the news.
The Jewish people, the "chosen" people of God; why the horrendous hate? I don't know, but Ms Politics tells the story well.
This Author is a fantastic story teller, I find it very hard to set her written word down once I begin reading. Her characters are so believable; Tonia & Amos,, their families, all people you would like to know. Oh my word, the places, the wars you read about & heard about on the news.
The Jewish people, the "chosen" people of God; why the horrendous hate? I don't know, but Ms Politics tells the story well.
September 1, 2021
What a beautiful story written on war struck people. All their feelings are detailed and elaborate, never thought of the pain, grief of lossing a family or loved one or having no relatives at all. I have never read such a lovely novel where a girl appears pessimist but actualy she is very optimist about her future under whatever circumstances she faced. Its all about your dreams that you really long for.
March 11, 2018
Lone 🌳Tree
Yael Politis takes reader inside a conflict (War) the Author of this Book is to be commended! You feel every word as if your there and then your in America and your thinking, happiness. Not so, so we once again search for more then a nice Home far away! Giving this Book 5 🌟 is so very easy,as I was there in war times with the Men,Woman and Children.
Yael Politis takes reader inside a conflict (War) the Author of this Book is to be commended! You feel every word as if your there and then your in America and your thinking, happiness. Not so, so we once again search for more then a nice Home far away! Giving this Book 5 🌟 is so very easy,as I was there in war times with the Men,Woman and Children.
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