REVIEW: The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan

 

I got this book out of the library after things escalated majorly in the Middle East last month.  This is a memoir by Sandy Tolan, a journalist who travelled to the Middle East at the time of the 50th anniversary of the Arab Israeli war.  Through this memoir, Tolan follows two families - the Al-Khairis and the Eshkenazis - one Jewish and one Palestinian - on both sides of the conflict. Tolan starts the story  masterfully with 25 year old Bashir meeting 25 year old Dalia at the home she lives in, and which once belonged to Bashir's family.  Dalia surprises Bashir by inviting him in and entertaining him while he views the home that once belonged to his family. As a result, they begin an unlikely and open friendship.

In light of the escalation of war in the Middle East, I wanted to learn more about the history of the conflict. This book seemed to be very well researched and intertwined the history with the stories of these two families. The context that the history gave to the friendship was highly effective. It was incredible to watch the relationship develop between Dalia and Bashir and was remarkable to observe the level and depth of their respectful discussions. I enjoyed vicariously absorbing their debates and I really appreciated the history that was provided.