Once were brothers by Mark Awerbuch

Thinly disguised as a thriller, Awerbuch's novel is a well-constructed exploration of the proposition that a combination of intelligence, good will, and a thorough knowledge of history must surely be able to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His protagonist Mathis Naphthali has an exceptional mind, polymath, multilingual, and with an eidetic memory. He is kidnapped and given the task of negotiating a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict between the two countries.

Mathis, the accountant, has a thorough understanding of the deep-rooted issues, and in fact his responses to questions posed by the delegates at the negotiation table, provide history lessons that go back to the origins of the two kingdoms in pre-Biblical times. But key to his approach is a calmness, honesty and openness that inspires reciprocity by the other participants.

Awerbuch’s book is an argument for reasonableness, understanding and collaboration. He suggests that human beings must be capable of resolving the long-standing grievances and come to a solution that appeases all parties. The characters are real characters, leaders and politicians involved in the conflict, but the dialogue is invented. Awerbuch must have wished that they could reach the understanding that he has imagined.

Themes: Israel, Palestine, Arab-Israeli wars, Conflict resolution, Negotiation, Peace.

Helen Eddy