This quick-paced and concise story presents a prematurely aging history teacher, Omar Yussef. He undertakes a role ill-suited for him - that of an amateur detective - to save the life of a former pupil. The narrative is both compelling and frustrating. Omar has spent nearly all of his fifty-six years in a refugee "camp" in Bethlehem, his family displaced from their ancestral village. His world is one of chaos, corruption, and violence. Gunmen can kill with impunity in the sight of the police chief, and the government can cause damage without taking responsibility. Reading this book offers an eye-opening experience, providing a glimpse into the dysfunctional and dangerous world in which many people, in Israel and elsewhere, are forced to live.

The gritty portrayal of daily life in the Palestinian Authority territory is complemented by the realistically flawed central character. Omar, a recovering alcoholic and heavy smoker, struggles with physical exertion. Frustrated with the prevailing narrative in his world, he bullies his grade school students, ignores his wife, and indulges in lustful daydreams about a younger married neighbor. By middle age, he is a disillusioned man who suffers because he refuses to give up his ideals.
The frustration in the book stems from Omar's lack of skill and judgment as a "detective." He doesn't solve the mystery; rather, the solution is presented to him late in the story. His decision at the end of the book to take up detective work as a new career requires a significant suspension of disbelief. However, I am willing to do so for the opportunity to enter his world again, albeit from a safe, armchair distance.

Few detective novels have managed to elicit a profoundly emotional response from me the way The Collaborator of Bethlehem had.

For his debut novel, Matt Beynon Rees, drawing on his experience as Time Magazine's former Israel bureau chief, creates a compelling mystery set within the context of the extremely polarizing Israel/Palestine conflict.

This unflinching but compassionate portrait of life in the West Bank offers readers who are only familiar with the region through pithy CNN headlines a deeper understanding of the people living there and the conflicting forces affecting their lives.

At the heart of the story is Omar Yussef, an aging, ornery teacher at a UN Refugee School. He takes pride in promoting intellectual curiosity and integrity as a defense against a world spinning out of control.

When a beloved friend and student, George Saba, becomes a scapegoat in the murder of a resistance leader, Omar risks his life to clear his name. He then confronts the ugly realities of Palestine: upright men suffer and justice takes a backseat to warmongering.

The society Rees paints can be bleak, yet he infuses the narrative with humor and intelligent observations. He also mimics poetic phrases in English to approximate vernacular conversations.

One interesting assertion is his characterization of militias like the Palestinian Martyrs Brigade as thugs. The novel also touches on issues such as the Palestinian diaspora, especially of Christians.

The mystery may not be the novel's strongest point, with the murderer's identity obvious early on. But it still raises interesting questions about detective stories in a war zone.

I'm looking forward to the next Omar Yussef title and heartily recommend The Collaborator of Bethlehem to those seeking a gripping story that goes beyond typical crime fiction. It's a memorable read.

Read more on my blog.

My mystery group truly liked this book.

Omar Yussef, a teacher in a UN school for girls in Bethlehem, has dinner with a Christian former pupil. Shortly after, his friend is arrested by the Palestinian authorities and charged with collaborating with the Israelis in the killing of a Palestinian guerilla. Soon after that, one of his favorite students, who is also the wife of the dead man, is found murdered as well. Omar is firmly convinced of his friend's innocence and decides to set out to uncover the truth of what really happened.

This book is interesting because it doesn't take sides. Both the Israelis and the Palestinians are involved in the horror and violence that occurs. My group wondered how Omar could be safe in so many dangerous places. Our only explanation is that he might be protected by his tribe. We were amazed that the government could dig a trench down the middle of the street, disrupting plumbing and electricity, but it is believable. Omar's humanity reminded me of Dr. Siri in The Coroner's Lunch.

This is the first in a series by Matt Beynon Rees, a Welsh man and journalist who has spent time in the Middle East.

3.5/5

The author had worked as a journalist in Palestine for several years, and the setting of this series was truly the key allure. In recent times, a few Israeli TV series such as Fauda have somewhat diminished the novelty factor. However, good crime fiction set in Palestine still appears extremely captivating. For me, the mystery/suspense became evident before the halfway point, which is quite rare.

Moreover, I was truly astonished to witness the no-nonsense and straightforward condemnation of violence by the Palestinians. Typically, the Left-liberal dominated media in the West is very lenient when it comes to handling Islamic violence, hatred, and intolerance. Israel and India are often depicted as the villains. Additionally, the fact that the central character is a teacher also added a certain charm.

I will definitely be reading more works by this author.

Beynon Rees delicately approached the subject.

He abandoned the stereotype of the Western justice system.

His hero is a pillar of the Muslim community, protected by a powerful clan.

His best friend is a former member of the resistance who has become a policeman and has discovered that the ideals of youth are beautiful but not very realistic.

People discover the truth about the past and present, but tradition, unwritten rules, and fear are so powerful that they do not have the courage to raise their heads and tell the truth. And if they do...

The story unfolds in a Palestinian context, as described in the link https://bookreportro.wordpress.com/20....

It explores the complex web of relationships, loyalties, and the struggle between truth and silence in a society where the forces of tradition and fear hold great sway.

The characters are faced with difficult choices and must grapple with the consequences of their actions.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking tale that sheds light on the challenges and realities of life in a particular community.

What a great combination!

It offers both a good mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly guessing and trying to solve the puzzle.

At the same time, it provides a fascinating introduction to life in Israel.

You get to learn about the culture, the people, the traditions, and the unique atmosphere of this remarkable country.

The story unfolds in a way that makes you feel like you are right there, experiencing everything along with the characters.

It's not just a mystery, but also a journey of discovery into a different world.

Whether you're a fan of mysteries or simply interested in learning more about Israel, this combination is sure to satisfy.

It's a captivating read that will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of both the mystery and the place.

So, pick up this book and prepare to be amazed by the wonderful blend of a good mystery and an introduction to life in Israel.

Synchronistic, timely, dramatic!

The fate and path of a person are crucially, often fatefully, influenced by the place where one is born, by the religion that prevails there, by the level of culture. And if someone has within them the seed of freedom that develops and blossoms despite the prohibitions and terror, they are fatally at risk.

The schools of the O.H.E. and the type of Education they provide, the danger that Christians face, the "fighters" who are mafioso and protectors of businesses, the martyr-bombers who are usually children in their teenage years who are tortured and forced to commit suicide by killing innocent people...

With beautiful language and a special tone, the author who worked as a war correspondent and lived for ten years in the M. East, tells us a dark and bloody story that is based on real events.

A prominent position in the narrative has the
role of the teacher and the value of friendship.

Omar Yussef is a history teacher in Palestine. He endeavors to cultivate the minds of his students, striving not to let them become victims of the blind hate that envelops them.

This story is situated in one of the world's most conflict-ridden countries. Due to this, The Collaborator of Bethlehem can be somewhat challenging to read. It is a good story, yet the realities of living in Palestine, occupied by the Israeli army, are harsh. The soldiers frequently engage in gun battles with the Islamic Martyrs Brigade, a Palestinian group that functions more or less like a street gang. The Palestinian government either lacks the power to control them or may be complicit in their gang-like activities.

As difficult as it is to be a Muslim and live under Israeli occupation, it is even worse to be an Arab Christian. That is the case for Omar's friend and former student, George Saba. Neither the Palestinian Muslims nor the Israeli Jews trust the Christians. Moreover, the various Christian denominations do not cooperate well.

Early in the book, George Saba is arrested for murder. Who was the actual murderer? Omar is certain that George is innocent and decides to prove it. This sets the stage for the story.

Omar Yussef is a thoughtful, interesting, and empathetic character, making the story enjoyable, albeit sad.

I appreciate a story that creates a strong sense of place, and from this story, I have an idea of what Bethlehem is like.

This turned out to be an interesting little thriller.

A history teacher, Omar Yussef, attempts to solve the mystery of a murder. He does not believe in the guilt of his friends in this matter.

The murders in this book serve as the axis around the story of life on the West Bank of Palestine. It is not a criticism of either the Israeli or the Palestinian people. Instead, it offers an eye-opening view of the society in which people live after the establishment of the Israeli state and what has occurred since then. The story is told through the eyes of Omar, who appears to be the moral compass in the narrative and reveals the modern world on the West Bank among their own people.

It is a truly impressive story that展现了a world we seldom hear about or even experience in any way. It is a really good read, as the mystery does not become the sole focus; rather, it is the world where Omar lives that takes center stage.

Overall, this book provides a unique and engaging perspective on a region that is often overlooked or misunderstood.

Omar Yussef, a history teacher to the unhappy children of Dehaisha refugee camp, shuffled stiffly up the meandering road. He passed the gray, stone homes built in the time of the Turks on the edge of Beit Jala.

When a young member of the Palestinian resistance is shot dead near his home on the outskirts of Bethlehem, George Saba, a Christian, is arrested as the collaborator who led the Israelis to him. As a member of the minority Christian community, he becomes a convenient scapegoat. But Omar Yussef, his old teacher and friend, firmly believes that George has been framed.

With George under the threat of imminent execution, Omar takes leave from his teaching job to conduct his own investigation. His enquiries bring him up against the Martyrs Brigade, the resistance fighters who effectively control the town. To Omar, they are nothing more than a gang of corrupt and violent thugs. Everyone, including the police and the legal system, is powerless against them. It seems that Omar is the only one interested in uncovering the truth. As he gets closer to discovering that truth, he puts himself and his family in great danger.

THE BETHLEHEM MURDERS is a captivating book. It offers not only an insight into the impact of the ongoing conflict in Palestine on the lives of ordinary people but also a thrilling mystery. Rees masterfully creates the atmosphere of a town in the midst of a battlezone, and a people living with daily violence, fear, and uncertainty.

Rees has crafted a very distinct and extraordinary hero in Omar Yussef. A middle-aged school teacher with a full range of human flaws, he is a man of great integrity who ultimately cares more about the truth than his own safety. He despises what has happened to his town and mourns the time when Christians and Muslims could live together in harmony.

There are some horrifying and brutal scenes in the book, made even more so by Rees' note at the beginning stating that all the crimes were based on real events in Bethlehem. Omar Yussef's quiet, cynical humor provides a few lighter moments in an otherwise rather bleak narrative. Rees is a wonderful storyteller, and this beautifully written book brought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions. I eagerly anticipate reading more of Omar Yussef's adventures.

This book is also known as THE COLLABORATOR OF BETHLEHEM in the USA.

Matt Rees is a journalist who has worked in the Middle East for over 10 years. He has written two more books featuring Omar Yussef, namely THE SALADIN MURDERS (or A GRAVE IN GAZA in the USA - why do they have different titles?), and THE SAMARITAN'S SECRET (which surprisingly has the same title on both sides of the Atlantic). You can find more information at Matt's website.

Rees has masterfully crafted a story that exudes an outstanding sense of time and place. He accomplishes this by vividly portraying the humanity on all sides. The monsters are not solely Palestinian or Israeli. The mistakes are not all made by either side. In fact, there are good people on every front. This is a story that demands to be experienced, engaging both the mind and the emotions.

One such good person is Omar Yussef, who feels that his usefulness may be coming to an end. He can't seem to control his anger towards the children in his class who mindlessly spout political clichés. However, when he attempts to shatter their hate and blindness, all he manages to do is make himself angrier and the children more distrustful of him.

The plight of George Saba proves to be a godsend for Yussef. He has a deep-rooted desire to combat injustice. For years, he has been buffeted by the winds of political and religious unrest, yet he remains willing to stand up for what he believes in. The power of Rees's writing lies in the fact that while the reader cheers Yussef for his bravery, there is also a sense of fear for what might befall this solitary man.

Yussef is not Mr. Perfect. He endears himself to us by sharing the power of his wife's cooking or his beliefs about the most important aspects of teaching. He enlightens us about the proliferation of murals depicting the Alps inside Bethlehem's homes. However, the years have taken a toll on him, souring him a bit. He isn't always right about the people he encounters daily. Readers must keep a watchful eye on Yussef as they follow his investigation.

Early on in The Collaborator of Bethlehem, Omar Yussef is told that "In Palestine, there's no such thing as a good detective." Yussef still has much to learn, but it's safe to say that Palestine now has the much-needed investigator it craves.

An exquisitely written murder mystery that takes place in Bethlehem.

The story unfolds in the vibrant and historical city of Bethlehem, adding a unique backdrop to the thrilling plot. Matt Rees, the talented author, has done an outstanding job of presenting the narrative in a way that keeps it balanced from the political and regional tensions point of view.

He manages to weave together the elements of mystery and the complex context of the area seamlessly. The reader is drawn into the story, not only by the captivating mystery but also by the rich and detailed portrayal of the local culture and the challenges faced by the characters in such a volatile environment.

Rees' writing style is engaging and descriptive, allowing the reader to vividly imagine the scenes and the emotions of the characters. Overall, this is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries and those interested in exploring the lesser-known aspects of Bethlehem through the lens of a thrilling story.