Sélim Nassib

An interesting and quick read though not exactly a light one. The author does a historical what-if – speculating on what would happen if a young Golda Meir had an affair with an Arab man. I don't have strong feelings for or against Golda Meir and didn't have too many preconceptions about her, but the book's premise could bother some. Both Golda and her Palestinian lover, Albert, are portrayed sympathetically.

In short chapters, the author describes Golda’s time in the kibbutz after leaving the U.S. with her husband, her strained domestic life after they leave and her growing involvement in the Zionist movement. Albert Pharaon, a scion of a wealthy and aristocratic family, is shown to be bored and frustrated with the petty social bitchery and cold family life that makes up his world, taking comfort only in his horses and his niece Nina. After breaking with his wife and losing Nina’s company to an arranged marriage, Albert meets Golda at a party and the two instantly click – though for Golda, it’s mostly due initially to his similarity to a long-dead crush. Their affair is conducted against the background of the conflict between the three main parties in Palestine – the Arabs, Jews and the British.

The author’s style is very readable and though the book is short, Golda’s conflicts between family and politics and her fraught relationship with Albert come through clearly. However, the character of Albert seemed too good to be true – he’s cultured, intelligent, and generous with his wealth but not overly concerned with status or social rivalries and money like other members of his family. He opposes his sister forcing her daughter, Nina, to marry a much older man who she barely knows. Though he’s on the Arab side of the conflict, he’s not dogmatic the way Golda is and his love for her isn’t just physical and remains constant. A little annoying, but it didn’t put me off the book.

Initially the author focuses on Golda and narrates from her third person POV, but later on it shifts to Albert’s view. After she pulls away, he tries to replace her in a rather passive way and in general remains inert for the rest of the book. This section wasn’t as good, though the author provides a vivid picture of the situation deteriorating due to the influx of Jews from European countries on the brink of war.… (mere)