Jewish noir is a genre which I generally enjoy. The Jewish people like to think of themselves as the “chose ones”, but that title is a mixed blessing and a curse. It’s interesting to read how the definition of noir changed from economic desperation and government corruption to stories about simply fitting in, belonging and all the drama and trauma that it entails.

This is a very rich story, I had to do some mental gymnastics to get my head wrapped around the mysticism concepts

The strength of the book is the written descriptions of the way immigrants had to live in Paris during World War II and what it took to survive, or even eat once a day. The descriptions of the harsh life of immigrants, especially Jewish immigrants, during that time are heartbreaking and show how easily a boy could turn assassin.

A Possibility of Violence is not a fast paced book, it is more introspective and analytical as Avraham makes his way toward, what he believes, is the right resolution to his case.

The narrative is fast and bloody, the story is fascinating and complex with many sub plots to keep track of. The characters, both real and fictional, are well written and dimensional.

Mr. Gillham writes about the misery, despair and paranoia of the German people living under a Nazi regime. A world where evil rules, social justice does not exist, and a wrong word would send you off to a concentration camp, while lacking a safe shelter and food.

The novel read as if the author had access to old KGB files (maybe he did) deciphering the bureaucratic code used to hide atrocities and turn it into an amazing, gripping tale. Another outstanding work from an outstanding scholar which is well worth reading.

A second rate architect, only accepts his benefactor’s offer to design hiding places for Jews so he can get contracts building factories for the Germans.

This is one of those rare books which are intelligent, informative and entreating. Mr. Sidransky is an excellent author and I’m looking forward to reading more of his work.

The author managed to captures several aspects of Israeli society, the Russian immigrant, a soldier, politician, religious Jew, an Arab bird-lover and more. The point of view constantly changes in the story which gives the narrative it’s on dynamic and takes on a life of its own.