I read it because I am currently residing in Jerusalem.

This unique location allows me to closely relate to and easily recognize numerous details within the book.

The descriptions of the city's streets, the architecture, and the local culture all felt very familiar and vivid to me.

However, despite this initial connection, I must admit that I did not enjoy the overall story.

The plot may have had its moments, but something was lacking for me.

Perhaps it was the pacing, or maybe the characters did not fully engage me.

Whatever the reason, I found myself not fully invested in the narrative and ultimately disappointed with the reading experience.

Nonetheless, I still appreciate the author's efforts to bring the city of Jerusalem to life within the pages of the book.

I made a little blunder and ended up reading the second book first. Given my OCD personality, there was no way around it; I simply had to go back and read the first one. Just like the second book, this one also started off at a rather slow pace. At the beginning, I didn't really have much interest or care about what was going on. However, as I delved deeper into the story, it became increasingly captivating. Before I knew it, I found myself completely engrossed and it was impossible to put the book down. Well, except for those moments when I got really scared about what might happen next. In those instances, I just had to set the book aside for a while. But that in itself tells you something about the author, Rees. She is such a good writer that even though I already knew Omar Yussef would survive (since I'd already read the second book), I was still on the edge of my seat, completely invested in the story.

I have hundreds of books on my various "to be read" lists. Sometimes, when a title lingers on one of those lists for an extended period, the anticipation of reading it overshadows the actual experience. It's as if I have idealized what the book will be like, and anything less than that vision will be a letdown. This was the case with Matt Rees's mystery novel, The Collaborator of Bethlehem. I had eagerly awaited this book for years, but when I finally picked it up earlier this year, it failed to meet my expectations.

Although of Welsh descent, Rees, a former Middle East correspondent for Time magazine, writes about what he knows: the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. The novel is set in the titular city, a place rife with politics, danger, warring factions, and random bloodshed. Our protagonist, Omar Yussef, is a 56-year-old history teacher at a UN school in the region. When Israeli snipers kill a member of the Palestinian resistance, one of Yussef's former students, George Saba, a Christian, is imprisoned on accusations of collaborating with the Israeli military against the Palestinian majority, leading directly to the murder. Yussef takes it upon himself to uncover the truth, playing amateur detective while on administrative leave from his teaching job. During the investigation, several more suspicious deaths occur, complicating matters further.

Yussef belongs to the category of anti-hero amateur detectives. He has no official role, so he must interview suspects and search for clues as a private citizen. He is well-known in the community, but not always well-liked. He enlists the help of his old friend, Khamis Zeydan, the chief of police in Bethlehem. However, no one, including Zeydan, really wants him meddling in the murders or trying to save Saba. They would rather accept the simplest explanation and ignore the rest of the facts.

I had difficulty enjoying this book. Yussef's investigation is meandering, and the evidence he gathers seems flimsy. As a mystery, the clue trail feels weak, and the final resolution is underwhelming. Rees seems more focused on providing background and local color, spending his time描绘 the harsh reality of life in this region and the horrors of the apartheid-like system that creates intense tensions between Christians, Muslims, Israelis, and Palestinians. People are killed brutally and quickly in this book, by various groups, for personal or political reasons, and the citizens seem to accept it as part of their daily lives. The violence serves as a backdrop to their existence. While all of this may be accurate - I trust that Rees is a competent journalist and he assures us that all of the crimes in the book are based on real-life incidents - it made it hard for me to believe that anything Yussef did would have any impact. Can justice for one person matter when surrounded by so much darkness? The book felt unremittingly bleak.

My other issue with the novel was the writing itself. At times, Rees's prose can be stilted and awkward. Although a successful writer in other genres, this was his first novel, and it shows. The characters and dialogue can seem a bit artificial, and the pacing is off. Maybe I just don't resonate with Rees's writing style.

(I must also admit that the experience of reading this book might have been different for me if it weren't for the current events in Gaza. So take all of this with a grain of salt.)

Rees wrote several more Omar Yussef mysteries, but based on this experience, I'm not inclined to read them. If anyone can convince me that the series improves, I'm willing to listen. But after this depressing, blood-soaked tale of hopelessness, I'm not in a hurry to pick up another Yussef novel.

The great mystery not only delves into numerous issues within Palestinian society but also humanizes every individual involved.

It takes a deep and comprehensive look at the complex web of social, political, and cultural aspects that shape the lives of Palestinians. By doing so, it presents a more nuanced and understanding perspective of the people and their struggles.

This exploration helps to break down the stereotypes and generalizations that often surround Palestinian society, allowing for a more empathetic and informed view.

Through the process of humanizing each person, the mystery gives a voice to those who are often overlooked or marginalized, highlighting their individuality, hopes, and dreams.

It serves as a powerful reminder that behind every issue and conflict are real people with real lives, and that understanding and compassion are essential for building a more just and peaceful world.

For decades, Omar Yussef has dedicated his life to teaching history to the children of Bethlehem.

One day, a favorite former pupil, George Saba, is arrested on the charge of collaborating with the Israelis in the killing of a Palestinian guerrilla. Yussef is firmly convinced that George has been unjustly framed.

With George now facing the terrifying prospect of execution, Yussef resolves to take matters into his own hands and prove his pupil's innocence.

Matt Rees, who once worked as Time magazine's Jerusalem bureau chief, has drawn on his wealth of observations to create a series of captivating murder mysteries set in Palestine.

At the heart of these stories is angry idealist Omar Yussef, a school teacher by profession and an amateur sleuth by inclination, who serves as the narrator.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09tcb4r

I've been longing to read this for an eternity.

Therefore, I was extremely delighted to discover that my local library had finally obtained a copy.

It was truly magnificent!!

It is a captivating mystery, yet primarily appears to be a book that delves into how one reconciles their humanity while residing in a place as dark and violent as the Holy Land.

The protagonist is a teacher, a family man - a father and grandfather, and someone who desires there to be a semblance of honor and justice in his homeland amidst the bombs.

Absolutely wonderful!

This book not only keeps you on the edge of your seat with its mystery but also makes you reflect on the complex themes of humanity and morality in a war-torn region.

The author does an excellent job of描绘 the characters and their struggles, making it easy for the reader to empathize with them.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery and is interested in exploring deeper themes.

It is a must-read for those who want to gain a better understanding of the Holy Land and the people who live there.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with this book and can't wait to read more from the author.

The only real mystery in this book is truly baffling.

It makes one wonder how the author could have selected such a rich and complex backdrop, filled with endless possibilities and potential intrigue.

However, to the reader's great disappointment, what unfolds is the dullest mystery imaginable.

In fact, it is so transparent that one can easily see the resolution from as early as the first fifty pages.

This lack of ingenuity and surprise is a major letdown, considering the promising start.

One would have expected the author to take full advantage of the elaborate setting and develop a captivating mystery that would keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end.

Unfortunately, this is not the case, and the book fails to live up to its initial promise.

It serves as a reminder that a great backdrop alone does not guarantee a great mystery novel.

Harsh

Harsh can describe a variety of situations or qualities. It can refer to a severe or unrelenting environment, such as a harsh climate with extreme temperatures. For example, in some deserts, the sun can be so harsh that it makes it difficult for plants and animals to survive.

Harsh can also describe a person's behavior or attitude. A harsh person may be critical, judgmental, or unforgiving. They might speak in a sharp or abrasive tone, causing others to feel hurt or offended. However, it's important to note that being harsh doesn't always mean being malicious. Sometimes, people may be harsh out of a sense of responsibility or a desire to push others to improve.

In addition, harsh can be used to describe the consequences of an action or decision. For instance, a harsh punishment may be imposed for a serious offense. While such punishments may seem severe, they are often intended to serve as a deterrent and maintain social order.

Overall, the word harsh implies a certain degree of severity, roughness, or lack of leniency. It can have both negative and positive connotations, depending on the context in which it is used.

I was on a hunt for novels that were set in Bethlehem, and lo and behold, this particular one caught my attention.

It was a real page-turner with its twisty mystery. The novel had a gritty feel to it, which added to its charm. There were also multi-cultural conflicts present, which wasn't entirely unexpected considering the setting. I found myself really liking the character of Omar. I even took the time to look at the map on my laptop to get a better sense of the locations mentioned in the story. However, I couldn't help but wonder which year this story was set in. There were multiple levels and secrets that kept me engaged throughout. And then, to my surprise, the story led right into the Church of Nativity.

The next book in this series, I discovered, is set in Gaza. I'm already looking forward to delving into that one and seeing what new adventures and mysteries it has in store.

I can only imagine the different perspectives and experiences that will be explored in a novel set in Gaza. It's going to be an exciting read for sure.

This one came hurtling out of left field and blew me away.

It's a straightforward read that is packed with considerable insights on Palestinian culture. The prose is fluid and stylish, making it a pleasure to read.

I was initially dead set on judging it as a Mideast version of the Patterson rubbish often abandoned in book sales. However, I was mercifully proven wrong as it turned out to be more than just your run-of-the-mill genre fiction.

The character of Omar Yussef is highly credible. I truly appreciated his unwavering commitment to educating the youth, his integrity, and his passionate efforts to save an innocent man.

But what really drew me in was his ordinariness. There is something so very everyday about him that readers can easily relate to and feel as if they could shake hands with him. He is a recovering alcoholic, a surly man who is growing old sooner than he was prepared to. He is also a grandpa who enjoys colourful footwear and plush winter clothes.

Even though he is a fictional character who is literally trapped in a war zone, and is 12 hours away via plane from my bedroom where I'm writing this review, I feel like I've already met him. Reese did an outstanding job of building his protagonist. Omar Yussef is subtly drawn, and the depth and despair that imbue him are served in just the right dosages. I wouldn't mind reading more about his adventures and experiences.

Overall, this book is a gem that offers a unique perspective on Palestinian culture and a memorable character in Omar Yussef. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good read that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Excellent insight into the Politics of Palestine refugee camp. The situation in the Palestine refugee camp is complex and multifaceted, with politics playing a significant role. Understanding the political dynamics within the camp is crucial for comprehending the overall situation and working towards a sustainable solution. There are various factors at play, including the interests of different political groups, the influence of external powers, and the aspirations and concerns of the refugees themselves.

Want to try a 2nd one? Exploring further into the Politics of Palestine refugee camp can provide a more in-depth understanding. This could involve examining the historical context, the power struggles among different factions, and the impact of political decisions on the daily lives of the refugees. By delving deeper, we can gain a better appreciation of the challenges faced by the camp and the potential paths forward.

It is essential to approach this topic with objectivity and an open mind, taking into account the diverse perspectives and experiences of those involved. Only through a comprehensive and nuanced understanding can we hope to contribute to a more informed and productive dialogue on the Politics of Palestine refugee camp.

Omar Yussef, a cantankerous grandfather, simply refuses to stay out of other people's affairs. When his friends encounter trouble in Dehaisha, a refugee camp on the outskirts of Bethlehem, he delves into the unknown.

This book is deeply moving in its pathos and chilling in its implications. Omar Yussef, the old schoolmaster, almost deliberately tries to avoid uncovering evidence of a murder in Dehaisha, which he suspects was committed by a leader of the resistance. However, he stumbles upon clues that are lying around, ignored by those who are supposed to serve and protect the people. His anger and fury intensify as his family is threatened and his innocent friends and colleagues are accused, jailed, and even murdered.

I had not been aware that the "gunmen" of the Palestinian resistance were so despised from within, but it makes perfect sense. This is a novel, of course, but I believe Matt Beynon Rees may be揭示 a larger truth that is hard to communicate to those, like me, who have turned away from a conflict that seems to have no end, makes no economic, political, or humanitarian sense, and is sickening in its exposure of the baseness of human nature.

The author has depicted a bleak picture of life in the settlements. He is not unkind to the Israelis, who, in their one appearance in this book, seem rational, albeit destructive. His main character is not easy to like, as he is so full of bitterness towards a system that gives him no peace but only pain. But if we accompany him for a short while, we begin to see what he sees, and it is indescribably sad.