The
sequel to Avraham Azrieli’s The Jerusalem
Inception, The Jerusalem Assassin
keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the author navigates through the
twists and turns of religious zeal, political missteps, intense human emotions,
and complicated personal relationships. The
beginning of the book finds Jerusalem Gerster living as a Swiss banker; the
life he began living as a lie has become his reality that creates turmoil
between his dedication to his past and his love for his new family. Abraham Gerster still lives as a rabbi,
strictly following the laws of the Torah
despite his disbelief in God and remorse over the shunning of his son. Meanwhile, Tanya has risen in Mossad, as she continues to live with the
regret and guilt from her past. The
puppet master, Elie Weiss, tries to fulfill his lifelong personal mission while
exerting control over the lives and destinies of the other characters. Other new characters, from secret agents to
an inquisitive journalist, add an additional depth to the story and intricate
characterizations.
In
a story with so many lies and deceptions, inevitably the truth must come
out. As the plot deals with the complex
struggle for peace between Israel and Palestine, the characters navigate
through the web of lies that had been created over the past few decades and
find what really is important to them; love of country and love for each
other. As the reader follows the world
of secretive international organizations, assassinations, and political unrest,
the story of human suffering and redemption shines through as the ultimate
theme of the novel.
With
each unexpected turn in the novel, readers are drawn into the story,
questioning who to trust and anticipating the next insight they will get from
the characters in the story. Azrieli has
a unique ability to interweave fiction and fact that not only intrigues but
also educates the reader. Through the
author’s careful attention to every last detail, readers find themselves
building a relationship with the complex characters, strongly feeling their
emotions, while contemplating even larger themes that affect the world around
them. While the story is entertaining,
it is also a thought-provoking look into a world that many would otherwise not
be exposed to.
