The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land

Omer Friedlander's stories are fairy tales turned on their head by the stakes of real life, mixing moments of fragile intimacy with comedy and notes of the absurd. They explore the hidden geography of the human heart, from Jerusalem to the Negev Desert and Jaffa.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: John Murray Press

In these remarkable and captivating stories, Omer Friedlander skillfully unveils the intricate topography of the human heart, akin to a young Chekhov. Through his luminous prose and remarkably diverse perspectives, he weaves a tapestry of narratives that captivate and resonate deeply.

Within these profound and expansive tales, Friedlander skillfully maps the hidden landscapes of the human soul, akin to a young Chekhov. His prose sparkles with brilliance, painting vivid and evocative images that transport readers into the very heart of his characters' experiences.

A beautiful debut by a profoundly compassionate writer, each story in this collection is a vibrant world unto itself, brimming with intense emotion and often offering revealing insights. Nicole Krauss, in her review, praises Friedlander's work, describing it as "a beautiful debut by a deeply humane writer." She emphasizes that every story is a fully realized universe, deeply felt, and frequently revelatory.

In these poignant and thought-provoking stories, Omer Friedlander explores the complex terrain of the human heart, akin to a young Chekhov. His prose shines with clarity and elegance, creating vivid and immersive narratives that transport readers to the depths of his characters' emotions and experiences.

A divorced con artist and his young daughter exploit unsuspecting tourists by selling empty bottles of purportedly holy air. Meanwhile, in a bombed-out Beirut radio station, a Lebanese Scheherazade captivates three young soldiers with her nightly tales, weaving a tapestry of hope and resilience amidst the chaos of war.

Just before a school Show and Tell, two brothers kidnap a Shoah survivor from a supermarket, intending to pass him off as their grandfather. In contrast, an Israeli volunteer at a West Bank checkpoint mourns the tragic loss of her son, a soldier killed in Gaza. These stories, set against the backdrop of Jerusalem's limestone alleyways, the desolate Negev Desert, and the sprawling orange groves of Jaffa, showcase Friedlander's unique ability to blend comedy with poignant moments of intimacy.

Rather than focusing solely on the region's conflicts, Friedlander's stories delve into the hopes and dreams of its people. He casts his discerning eye upon the lives of ordinary individuals, revealing their struggles, triumphs, and the profound complexities that shape their existence.

The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land is a testament to Friedlander's talent as a storyteller. It is a collection that oscillates between dark humor and quiet devastation, offering a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the human condition. Through his characters, Friedlander explores the complexities of love, loss, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems fraught with uncertainty.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 136 x 216 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399803946