When a group of fifteen teenagers from the United States decide to travel to Israel to learn about the country and their heritage, they end up getting more than they expected. A Postcard from Jerusalem is told through the eyes of Isaac, a young man on the cusp of adulthood. He finished high school early and started taking college classes, but he’s adrift and trying to figure out what he wants from life.
The other characters, a mix of young men and women from different backgrounds, are in similar states of mind. They arrive in Israel for a six-month odyssey: three weeks on a bus touring the country, three months living with an Israeli family, then regrouping to spend the rest of the trip working at a kibbutz (a commune/farm). What the teens get out of the trip varies, but they all end up being changed by the experience.
The author, Cory J. Schulman, does a great job of making each of the teens individuals with unique wants, needs, and personalities. They are teens and they act like it, with some being more mature than others. I also appreciate the fact that he doesn’t shy away from interesting discussions the characters have on religion, war, genocide, and what it means to be a Jew. The experience, at least from a reader’s point of view, is enlightening.
One of the main points I took from this coming-of-age novel is that Judaism can’t be pigeonholed. For example, each of the characters in this story looks at their heritage differently. Some are religious and follow the faith. A few others are Jews in name only; they don’t believe in God or follow the tenets of the religion. Some find their faith on the trip, while others seem to drift further away from it.
Schulman also does a fine job of discussing the history of Israel and the conflicts with its neighbors. The characters take different sides and the author doesn’t seem to stress on there being a correct opinion or answer. He’s simply showing the different viewpoints.
Also, while the characters travel the country, they are exposed to the realities of life in the country. From riding with armed guards to witnessing bloodshed, Schulman doesn’t pull any punches. There is real emotion on the page and I appreciate his honesty.
A Postcard from Jerusalem is a fantastic coming-of-age story. Almost every single character has an arc of some sort, and they are each touched by their visit to their homeland. I found it enlightening to see different aspects of the people, their culture, and their spirituality expressed in such an honest and straightforward manner. The story is both entertaining and educational, and I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about Israel and its people.
This review was originally posted at Reader Views. For more book reviews and recommendations, check out my Reading List page.
RB
Haven’t read this book, but I lived there for a time in young adulthood.
It was a good read and it partly felt like a travelogue in the way the author described the settings and history. It seems like the landscape is stark, yet at the same time has an ancient beauty.
Thanks for the comment, MM. 🙂
It is quite an interesting place. Sounds like the book was well-written. I met people from all four corners of the earth while there.
Very timely review. I’d like to read the book.
Thank you! I’m glad that I read it.