Jerusalem Spring by Fares Aoun

Reading this story made me think.  The story begins in the 1960's in a prison that houses blacks.  Segregation was alive and well in that era.  The warden was white...


The author sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you.)  It is available on Amazon.com and at https://www.createspace.com/3497923. It is also available on the Kindle, Nook, and other e-readers.


Mr. Aoun bases his story on four main characters.  The warden, the longtime prisoner and informant, and two new prisoners.  There is an odd chemistry between the warden and the informant.  They have a fragile friendship, the warden gives him books to read, they enjoy their conversations, and the information trades information for cigarettes - which is commerce in the pen.  But the issue of black and white and trust still stands between them.


The story is interesting and the author's insights regarding this type of conflict make it a fascinating read.


The last third of the book has an interesting juxtaposition presented.  The author moves the story from the prison to another "prison" of sorts.  You are suddenly in Israel with the same characters and the same story line.  While this sounds strange, it actually makes a lot of sense.  There is still segregation and cultural unrest, and the prisoners still want their freedom.   The comparison of times and places holds up under scrutiny.


This was a very interesting read.  Check with your local bookstore for a copy.


I'm giving away the copy I was sent in a contest.  Just leave a comment here on the blog and then write to me at info @ bookfaerie.com (take the spaces out) with your name and ADDRESS and why you'd like to win the book.  I'll do the drawing in about a week.