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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Philip Graubart's Here There Is No Why delves deep into the life and mysterious death of Chaim Lerner, an acclaimed Israeli author and Holocaust survivor. The novel is not just a whodunit but a poignant exploration of memory, trauma, and the complexities of Israeli identity. Set in 2005, the story follows Judah Loeb, a struggling American journalist and single dad, as he travels to Jerusalem to investigate the circumstances surrounding Lerner's death in 1983. Judah is accompanied by his fifteen-year-old daughter, Hannah, and they enlist the help of Charlie, Judah's former Hebrew University roommate, now a homicide detective in Jerusalem. This trio embarks on an investigation that leads them through the murky waters of Lerner's past and the darker corners of the Israeli psyche.
Phillip Graubart's narrative is rich and layered, weaving together multiple threads of inquiry. Graubart's portrayal of Judah is particularly compelling. He is a flawed but relatable protagonist who grapples with personal and professional challenges while trying to be a good father to Hannah. Their father-daughter dynamic adds an emotional depth to the story, highlighting themes of forgiveness and redemption. The city's historical and political tensions are intricately woven into the narrative, providing a nuanced perspective on Israeli society and the enduring impact of the Holocaust on collective memory. Graubart's writing is lyrical and precise, capturing the complexities of his characters. Here There Is No Why raises important questions about the nature of memory, the weight of history, and the possibility of finding peace in the aftermath of unimaginable trauma. It is a must-read for those who love a good historical mystery.
