Modern Bethlehem seems to have undergone a remarkable transformation compared to the rural outpost depicted in the accounts of Jesus’ birth.

The cave where Mary gave birth to her holy child is now a shrine within an elaborate Armenian monastery, and over the intervening centuries, a bustling city has emerged among the shepherds’ hills.

However, Matt Beynon Rees’s The Collaborator of Bethlehem, which is based on true events related to the decades-long conflict among local Jews, Christians, and Muslims, reveals that human nature remains unchanged.

Where there is oppression, rebellion follows; and where there is rebellion, there are those who would betray their own countrymen to gain favor with the ruling class. There will always be a Judas and a “pure, communal hatred and vengefulness.”

Omar Yussef, a local school teacher on the verge of retirement, discovers that his dear friend is accused of murder. Horrified, Yussef begins to search for evidence at the crime scene that implicates the worst of the city’s criminal gang lords.

When presented with the evidence, the local authorities admit their reluctance to pursue the investigation, fearing further violence in retaliation. Yussef’s friend, clearly innocent but without political allies, will be made to take the blame instead. It is simply easier this way.

Thankfully, just as in Jesus’ time, there will always be someone like Yussef who, driven by love and a passion for justice, is willing to set aside their own safety to expose the truth.

This novel, aside from its entertainment value as a mystery, is significant for those far removed from the Palestinian-Jew-Christian conflict in this part of the world. All sides of the struggle are sympathetically represented through the relationships between characters that cross cultural lines.

We all have much to learn from one another, but obviously, we must first stop shooting at each other.

After my last read, I was in search of something light. So, I turned to my usual choice, a mystery. Well, as it turns out, this one was not as light as I expected, but perhaps it was a good transition. I simply came across this book and picked it up. Matt Rees draws on his extensive experience as a journalist who covered the Middle East for over a decade for renowned publications like Time, Newsweek, and The Scotsman. He was born in Wales, which I believe gives a unique perspective to his story.

This book contains all the typical elements of a great murder mystery, yet it has some additional twists. The setting, Bethlehem, includes an occupied Palestinian camp. The interactions, blame, motives, and so on are made complex by the characters from three groups: Palestinian Christians, Muslims, and the Israeli occupiers. As an American, I had to constantly stop and think through these relationships, trying to put the characters in perspective. Eventually, I realized that I was attempting to fit the story into my American framework instead of simply listening to what the characters were actually experiencing. This was a challenge, but it was well worth the effort. The main character was very helpful in this regard as he personally refuses to stereotype people. He is definitely not a black-and-white thinker but sees many shades of gray and numerous possibilities. The author has clearly developed an excellent understanding of the complicated relationships between the groups living in the Middle East, as well as the old tribal histories and forms of government. I learned a great deal from reading this book and will be reading the other three in this series. It is highly recommended, with the potential to help the reader gain a better understanding of the Middle East and perhaps even their own ambiguity in their relationships.

I'm not entirely sure how this book managed to receive a 4-star review.

The ending, for me, was extremely disappointing and left a sense of sadness. The author seems to be trying to overlook the fact that the entire investigation proved to be in vain.

Despite all the efforts put into uncovering the truth, the innocent guy was brutally executed. This unjust outcome really soured my experience of the book.

It makes me question the criteria used for awarding those 4 stars. Was it based on other aspects of the story that I might have missed or did not value as highly?

Perhaps the writing style or the character development was strong enough to overshadow the unsatisfactory conclusion. However, for me, the ending had a significant impact on my overall perception of the book.

I would have preferred a more conclusive and just resolution that did justice to the innocent victim.

Overall, while the book may have had its merits, the disappointing ending prevented me from fully enjoying it and left me with a sense of dissatisfaction.

As a voracious reader of mysteries that have a contemporary political bent, I always look forward to title suggestions from others.

Last week, a friend introduced me to Matt Benyon Rees and his protagonist, Omar Yussef. After reading THE COLLABORATOR OF BETHLEHEM, the first of four “Yussef” books, I am completely sold.

Jo Nesbo, Henning Mankell, and others of their ilk have nothing on Mr. Rees. He has created an evocative character that allows the reader to enter the byzantine politics of the Palestinian movement and its war against Israeli occupation. This is achieved by employing a newly created detective investigating his first crime. In reality, Yussef is a school teacher who is being forced to retire at the age of fifty-six. Due to certain events, he is forced, as a matter of honor, to try and assist a former student who is falsely accused and arrested for collaborating with the Israelis. The story follows Yussef’s journey to free his protégé and the murderous events that ensue.

Mr. Rees is a superb writer who possesses a strong knowledge of Arab and Muslim traditions, which he weaves throughout the narrative. The accuracy of the background political and social mores and institutions provides the reader with their own education, helping them to understand why peace has been so difficult to achieve between Palestinians and Israelis since 1948. The author covers the gamut of issues that confront Israel and the Palestinians today, such as suicide bombings, corrupt leadership, the “iron fist” of Israeli occupation, and the effects of these policies on the Palestinian people. I recommend this book very highly and I look forward to reading the next one in the series, A GRAVE IN GAZA.

A solid 3.5
"The Collaborator of Bethlehem" is a captivating literary-leaning cultural mystery. It tells the story of a liberal Palestinian teacher, Omar Jussuf, at a UN-run school. He finds himself in a difficult position, torn between his moral duty to his former students and the need to protect himself.

Omar Jussuf belongs to a bygone era when Christians, Jews, and Muslims coexisted peacefully in the Bethlehem area. However, the present situation is far from idyllic. Paramilitary Muslim "Martyr Brigades" have seized control of the city, the Palestinian government is in the hands of terrorists, and the police are virtually powerless. The Israeli army, heavily armed, is just across the valley, and the Christian population has either fled to Chile or gone into hiding to avoid attacks or being used as scapegoats or human shields.

This complex and tense situation forms the backdrop of the novel. The mystery at the heart of the story is relatively straightforward. One of Jussuf's former pupils, a Christian, has a confrontation with some members of the Martyr Brigade and is wrongly imprisoned and sentenced to death for a murder he didn't commit. Jussuf feels compelled to clear his student's name and save his life.

The novel is well-written, with excellent descriptions of the setting and detailed characterizations. However, the classic reveal and the last-minute save are executed rather clumsily, which is why it didn't receive a higher rating from me.

Rees, a former journalist who covered the Middle East for many years, doesn't shy away from depicting the violence and bloodshed. This novel is brutally realistic, much like the scenes we see on the news.

Omar Jussuf can be seen as either an arrogant egotist who believes his moral stance and liberalism make him superior to those around him, or as a martyr who risks his life for his principles, not for any religious belief.

Overall, "The Collaborator of Bethlehem" is an interesting start to a series. I hope that future installments will develop more engaging plots and continue to explore the complex themes introduced in this novel.

I purchased this book subsequent to a journey to Israel. I have a penchant for gleaning a wealth of knowledge about the places I visit, and I also take great pleasure in delving into the stories presented in fiction and mystery novels set in those locations. This particular book was outstanding in its gradual unravelling of the complex motives and prejudices of various factions in Bethlehem. Americans, for the most part, struggle to truly fathom the profound depth of hatred and the burning desire for revenge that exists in that region. Moreover, they scarcely apprehend the actual players involved, which are far more numerous and diverse than the simplistic dichotomy of Arabs versus Jews. This captivating story shed significant light on many of these aspects, all from the perspective of an Arab individual who was born and raised in Bethlehem. It was an absolutely great read that offered valuable insights into a world that is often misunderstood.

Provides Insight

Espías en territorio palestino en conflicto religioso

The situation of spies in the Palestinian territory amid the religious conflict is a complex and concerning one. The region has long been a hotbed of tensions and disputes due to its religious significance and territorial issues. Spies operating in this area face numerous challenges and difficulties.

They often have to navigate through a highly volatile and unpredictable environment, where the slightest mistake could lead to serious consequences. The religious conflict adds an extra layer of complexity, as loyalties and allegiances are divided along religious lines.

Moreover, the economic situation in the Palestinian territory is far from ideal. Poverty is widespread, and resources are scarce. This makes it even more difficult for spies to carry out their operations effectively, as they may lack the necessary financial and logistical support.

In conclusion, the plight of spies in the Palestinian territory in the midst of the religious conflict is a sorry one. They are caught in the crossfire of a complex and intractable situation, and their work is made even more challenging by the poor economic conditions. It is essential that efforts are made to address the root causes of the conflict and improve the economic situation in the region to ensure the safety and well-being of all those involved.

The gracious humanity of our protagonist truly shines brightly amidst the wreckage and palpable tensions of a city that is being mercilessly besieged by various factions.

Just as Bogart and Claude Rains did in the classic film Casablanca, the alliances here are deeply shrouded by the complex and often perilous circumstances. However, when put to the test, they prove to be affirming and unwavering.

This story is a brilliant debut that manages to deliver deep, heartfelt emotions while simultaneously engaging the reader in a gripping investigation. It takes the audience on a journey through a world filled with uncertainty and danger, yet still manages to find moments of beauty and humanity.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a touch of romance and a whole lot of heart.

I have a great passion for learning various things when I delve into the world of fiction. As those who are acquainted with me can attest, I possess a modicum of knowledge in a wide range of areas. I simply cannot tolerate stories that incorporate elements that are out of place, fabricated, or incorrect. Good fiction is reliant on a solid foundation of accurate facts. This novel immediately gives the impression that it is penned by an author who truly knows his subject matter. On his Amazon page, he states: “The aim of my fiction is to take real stories I covered as a journalist and to weave them together to make a single mystery. It's thrilling crime fiction, but I believe it also gets much closer to the truth about the Palestinians and the way they live than anything you'll read in news reports.”

Consequently, I have been completely engrossed by Matt Rees’s first Omar Yussef crime novel. I failed to notice the publication date when I commenced reading it: it is set in Yasser Arafat’s world of intifada. Sadly, that world is once again a part of our reality. Learning about the ongoing conflict in Israel/Palestine – the emotions of those who have to endure it, the reasons why it persists, and the many other subtleties of the conflict – has been utterly fascinating. The murders that the book revolves around could only occur in this particular place and under these specific circumstances. I had a sleepless night last night as I had to finish it: I had to know – and the ending is satisfyingly tense (as evidenced by my own reaction – right down to the quick!).

Not only does Matt Rees have an in-depth understanding of the Middle East, but he also writes in a concise and fast-paced style; he sketches his characters with economy yet to telling effect; he uses dialogue to propel the plot forward and has an abundance of plot. These days, almost everyone and their auntie is purported to be ‘the new Le Carre’. Matt Rees might actually be the genuine article.

Without reservation: 5 stars.

A very good read

Reading is an activity that can bring us a lot of joy and knowledge. When we pick up a good book, we are often transported to another world, filled with interesting characters and exciting adventures.

A very good read has the power to captivate our attention from the very first page. It can make us laugh, cry, and think deeply about the world around us. Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking non-fiction work, a good book has the ability to touch our hearts and minds.

Moreover, reading is not only a form of entertainment but also a great way to improve our vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills. By exposing ourselves to different writing styles and ideas, we can expand our knowledge and become more well-rounded individuals.

In conclusion, a very good read is something that we should all strive to find. It can enrich our lives, broaden our horizons, and bring us countless hours of enjoyment. So, the next time you're looking for something to do, pick up a book and let yourself be carried away by its magic.

I firmly believe that this initial book was indeed his very best one.

It is a truly remarkable series that is set in the captivating land of Palestine.

The author has masterfully crafted a world within these pages that transports the reader to a place rich in history, culture, and emotion.

The characters are vividly brought to life, and their stories unfold in a way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

The setting of Palestine adds an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a truly immersive reading experience.

Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for a great read, this series is not to be missed.

It is a testament to the author's talent and creativity, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story.

Much is often made of the main character being lauded as a great teacher. However, in the sole scene that is set within a classroom, he manages to make a child cry. His much-discussed morality appears to be rather peculiar. It seems to be along the lines of “we as a society should passively accept our fate and essentially roll over and die. Also, people should be nice only to my good students.”

The main character enjoys a privileged position and is independently wealthy, being the son of a tribal leader. He simply cannot fathom why everyone else does not behave in the same manner as he does. This is presented not as some sort of profound commentary but rather as a matter-of-fact statement.

Israel is portrayed as a force of nature, lacking any real face or voice. It is written in a way similar to when a deadly hurricane barrels into a town. In more capable hands, this might have been an interesting approach. However, I suspect that it has more to do with the author's reluctance to examine the impact of Israel's policies on the people of Palestine. Presumably, such an examination would disrupt the simplicity, boredom, and oddly Christian morality play that he seems to be constructing.