wendy mcAra

Hurt, suffering, victimhood and unconscionable behaviour of both Israelis and Palestinians continue to sabotage peaceful co-existence. David Kerr has sifted through the facts, befriended Israelis and Palestinians, and crafters a beautifully written and gripping novel, even-handed and compassionate. The bitter conflict is one which defies any simple black and white,villain and victim, right and wrong analysis. Through the stories of his authentic Israeli and Arab characters, he succeeds in capturing and crystallising the good and bad on both sides of this complex religious, territorial, political conflict. it is also a really good read, with a riveting plot and great character portrayals. The novel benefits from being written through the author's professional psychotherapist and religious ministry eyes. It benefits from his understanding of the deep scarring and psychological shadows of all caught in the powder keg that is modern Israel, surrounded by hostile Arab nations with an avowed intent of 'pushing the Israeli into the sea.' I thoroughly recommend this mature and remarkable book.

I LOVED The Women and The Girls. I was hooked as soon as i read the first page and couldn't put it down till I'd finished it - and then I was sorry i'd finished!The plot and dialogue were edgy, deep and marriage' issuey'. The characters felt interesting and authentic to me. The problems in their marriages and the way they played out were skilfully depicted, making this a great read.

I loved 'Mika and Max'. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. Th structure of the story, with the two families interacting in Max' home, is a perfect vehicle for telling Max' story. The relationships between Mika and Max provides a charming and credible way of illustrating their unique qualities and idiosyncrasies. It is heart-openingand honest. They come across as loveable,quirky characters and their tale has the potential to de-stigmatise their problems of teen anxiety and autism. With courageous heat, Laura Bloom presents a picture of the significant challenges and demands of raising a child who is non-verbal and on the autism spectrum. At the same time, the deep love and concern his parents feel for him is woven into every word, every scene. The blonde halo, the blue eyes, which make him look like an angel; his knowing smiles....there is clearly a lot going on for Max, which can so easily be underestimated if we take his behaviour at face value. As the grandmother of a little boy just like Max, what Laura so skilfully describes and captures in this beautifully written book is achingly familiar to me. It brought tears to my eyes ad melted my heart. It is my hope the this Mika and Max is widely introduced to school reading lists. I believe it has the potential to increase understanding and empathy, and to dissolve prejudice, judgment and fear towards children living with disability. Wendy McAra Psychologist