Title: Alive and Beating

Author: Rebecca Wolf

Genre: Literary fiction

 

Alive and Beating by Rebecca Wolf is based on a true story about her friend who died and donated her organs. In this fictionalized account, a suicide bomber explodes a bus in Jerusalem, killing several in the wake. One of the victim’s organs go to six people in need, all who live interrelated lives in Israel.

The novel is divided into six main sections, each telling the background about a different character. Rebecca Wolf had to have done a lot of research to convincingly tell these stories in such vivid detail. Not only do we get to know the characters’ personalities, we also meet their families and learn about their ailments. As soon as we sympathize with one character, we are whisked to the next one. Wolf could have almost written a series of books, six in total, with one whole novel devoted to each character. That is how invested the reader becomes in them within a few pages. The only critique is wanting more of a good thing.

In addition to above details, Wolf has extensively researched Jerusalem. On the pages, she lays the map of the city with words, and we truly feel like we’re walking the streets with the characters.

The author’s choice of setting being Jerusalem creates a backdrop that would fascinate a lot of readers. The Holy Land is home to the three monotheistic faiths, and Jerusalem’s history is long, complex, and deeply interesting. The ongoing unrest in that part of the world plays into the plot with the suicide bomber and the different neighborhoods walled off from each other, yet Wolf’s story transcends societal and religious boundaries.

This is especially reinforced in the last tale, where two teenage boys who are in need of hearts bond. Yosef is Jewish, and Youssef is Muslim. Although there may be concern about this fact, they become best friends. They share more than the same name and organ in need. The message that we all have common bonds runs as deep as the beautiful narrative woven throughout this book. That one person’s organs can also save the lives of many, something good from something tragic, is a heart-rending testimony of the best of what it means to be human.

That this story is loosely based on a true event that took the author three decades to tell brings yet another dimension to its depth. We all lose loved ones, but to lose a best friend at a young age so unexpectedly is heartbreaking. There are no words that can describe the grief, but Wolf has taken her mourning and turned it into something beautiful. That is truly beauty from ashes. Her dedication and devotion are an inspiration. Story is how we relate to others. Creation is part of the human experience.

Alive and Beating is a deeply moving story that brings six separate lives together in a creative way. Rebecca Wolf has written an inspired story of inspiration. For anyone who seeks a bit of light in a dark, divided world, Alive and Beating is a refreshing, encouraging tale that reminds us that goodness is still alive and beating.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.