Mandrake Root
Norma T. Harari
Eloquent Books
ISBN: 978-1-934925-05-8 / 1-934925-05-5
264 pages (Includes front and back matter)
In reading Mandrake Root by Norma T. Harari,
readers will quickly learn that Josephina Konigsburger, the main
character, is an intelligent, adventurous woman. She doesn’t hesitate
to describe herself as a middle-aged, menopausal Jewish woman and a
second-rate writer whose muscles are turning to fat; however, readers,
appreciating the unpretentious attitude, will see her as attractive,
charming, and sexy. Men of all ages are drawn to her, appreciating,
among other attributes, her great legs.
The writing of this book made me think of a diary
or personal journal in which Josephina is penning her personal
experiences. The fact that Norma T. Harari, the author, lived with her
family for over four decades in the port of Haifa is very evident as
geographical descriptions and historical knowledge of Israel’s past and
present are given. Although this book was published posthumously,
readers will be pleased to learn that there are several other
unpublished novels by the author that will hopefully be released in the
future.
Josephina, the protagonist, lives in Manhattan and
is a free-lance writer for a popular newsweekly. David, who works for
the same newsweekly as a Jerusalem correspondent, is putting a magazine
together with a format similar to the newsweekly. Though he is Jewish,
he has spent most of his life pretending to be otherwise. It seems
strange to Josephina that he chose to buy an apartment in Jerusalem and
set up a business. But, as the first chapter opens, we find her in that
very apartment—David is her lover and also her boss; she is presently
freelancing as a writer for him. On this assignment, she interviews UN
soldiers in Eilat and the Lebanese border, and after considerable delay,
finally gets an unforgettable interview with the Chairman of the Haifa
Planning Council for Energy Conversation, Director General of Tutti
Fruitti—a cynical name for the worst polluter in the Haifa bay area. As
the book progresses, colorful and unique characters are introduced and
Harari breathes life into them with her vivid description and realistic
dialogue. All contribute to the story in a meaningful way, though at
first glance, readers might question this.
The main plot of the story unfolds when Josephina
looks up her old friend Gloria whom she had first met when she was on a
trip to the Holy Land. At the time they were both fresh out of
college. I might note here that there are many flashbacks in this
novel—sometimes flashbacks within flashbacks—but the author skillfully
depicts the sequence of events in a way that is not confusing to
readers. During this visit with Gloria, the differences between the two
women are brought to light and, because of their past and very close
friendship, are somewhat surprising. Though they express love for one
another, some of their conversations are often confrontational as well
as challenging. In looking at Gloria’s life, Josephina, sees “what might
have been” had she chosen to remain in Israel—her homeland—instead of
moving to the United States. Should she have made that choice?
Gloria had lived in Israel, remained married to one man, and was a
school teacher as well as a wonderful mother. Gloria accuses Josephina
of being so busy with her career that she neglected being a good mother
to her two children. She further comments that Neil McCrudder,
Josephina’s present husband, had done a great job of raising the
children by himself. He did this while his wife jaunted around the
world, enjoying a worldly life as she interviewed famous people and
cheated on a husband whom she claimed to love. And it was true, though
married three times, and having had several lovers, Josephina did love
Neil McCrudder with her whole being. He was the true love of her life
and, if necessary, she would give up David and her trips to Jerusalem to
return to him. He had given her so much, including two children. It
ultimately appears that Gloria is jealous of the worldly life that her
friend has experienced. If so, does this conflict with the idea that
she has always been a happily married woman living in her homeland?
As with all friends, deep secrets are shared between the two women.
Neil McCrudder was not Jewish but had converted to
his wife’s faith during the Second World War. He is a successful,
extremely intelligent man, but he isn’t perfect. Josephina tells Gloria
about some of his imperfections; however, she does love him and believes
that Neil will be waiting for her when she returns from this latest
trip. But something happens along the way! There is also an important
assignment that isn’t carried out.
During Josephina’s visit with
Gloria, the Mandrake plant is discussed. In Hebrew the word means “love
plant” and is believed to ensure conception; this belief is backed up by
Scripture. The roots of the Mandrake attach to the earth with passion,
determined not to be displaced, thus giving the author a perfect title
for her book.
I give Mandrake Root my
highest recommendation and consider it a “must read” for those who want
to enjoy an informative and entertaining novel. Purchase a copy today!
Bettie Corbin Tucker
For Independent Professional Book Reviewers
www.bookreviewers.org
October 5, 2009
