Sandy Tolans The Lemon Tree - Book Report/Review Example

Section/# The Lemon Tree: A Book Review and Analysis Sandy Tolan’s The Lemon Tree tells the story of two families that find themselves at odds as a result of the respective views and territory that they both lay claim to. The story itself is concentric upon the experience of a Jewish immigrant family within Palestine/Israel that differ from the standard representations of strife and conflict as they come to trust and befriend one another. By relating the story of Israel/Palestine through the eyes of real people and the views that they have towards one another, the author attempts to present the situation of Palestine/Israel in a new light; one that will engage the reader with a more personal understanding of the situation and the lives of those individuals that are affected by it.

The underlying theme is not whether or not the Jews or the Palestinians have a right to exist within the land in question, it is instead how these two people can come to a greater understanding of one another without resorting to knee jerk reactions of violence, sabotage, or outright hatred. Further themes that are represented throughout the work include the differential between peace and war and the understanding and relevance that “territory” has within the hearts and minds of both Jews and Palestinians.

A perennial use of third person omniscient is utilized along with first person narrative. Moreover, the text also heavily relies upon the technique of skipping around in time as a means of piecing together a broader story. Although this style is useful at times, it becomes somewhat laborious after it is done incessantly for chapter after chapter. The author further attempts to engage the reader with a clear and understandable exhortation to refrain from following mainstream ideals in attempting to understand other people.

Although this is a simplistic, the approach is nonetheless engaging and allows for the reader to appreciate the story from a more personal vantage point than they might have otherwise. The most challenging aspect of the reading has to do with the over-utilization of chronology as a means of telling the story. Although this of course has its place, it is leveraged too much and is ultimately confusing. Yet, the most rewarding part of the writing has to do with the fact that the author is not shy about representing the different, similar, and otherwise unique opinions of those people who form the backbone of the narrative account.

This is both refreshing and unique with respect to the way in which such a story can be told. My response to the story is on the whole positive. Although it is of course possible for this book to receive more acclaim in the future, it is my interpretation that it will never be considered as a classic; merely due to the fact that many other writers have engaged with this similar theme before. As such, it is the determination of this author that the text is appropriate to be taught; due in part to the fact that it represents an ongoing conflict and provides powerful insights with respect to the way in which humans can seek to understand and appreciate one another on a personal level rather than based upon their ideology and worldview/politics.

The text itself is interesting and at least partially engaging. Although it does not come close to being my favorite book of all time, it does tell a powerful story of humanity and the means by which peace is still such an elusive concept. Work ConsultedTolan, Sandy. The lemon tree : an Arab, a Jew, and the heart of the Middle East. New York: Bloomsbury Pub. Distributed to the trade by Holtzbrinck Publishers, 2006. Print.