Papa, are you near me?

Papa, are you near me?

By Jacqueline J. Shulman

Reviewed by Dr. Janette Segal

A captivating novel of a joyous journey of love, friendship and pure delight, embracing the discovery of secrets and customs in countries, both close to home and exotic. The novel draws in the reader with its vivid characters, Josh and Alistair, and thought-provoking themes.

Shulman's compelling storytelling is a sequel to her previous novel, When, if not now? (2021), which takes us along with these two travelers not only to exciting places, but also on a darker journey than in the previous novel. The reader is taken through disturbing black episodes in history - the Nazis' disruption of the lives of kind and decent people in places such as Albania, Channel Islands, Berlin, and Poland. The darkness though is offset by the striking goodness shown by the principal characters and the re-acquaintance of old friends from previous journeys, as well as the appearance of an astonishing new character who will capture the reader's heart.

Throughout, Shulman keeps vitality and humor alongside the development of the plot. The reader is fascinated by a less-known history of Besa, the Albanian code of honor. Woven into the adventures of the protagonists, the reader is introduced to a range of people and cultures such as the Bnei Menashe to the Beatles, Bertha Benz to Advik the cricketer and George Eliot, to name but a few. All this makes reading Shulman's novel an enlightening and fascinating experience.

Despite episodes of darkness and heartbreak, the reader is kept in suspense for most of the novel by Josh and Alistair on their travels, seeking answers to questions which continually drive them to encounter yet more adventures.

Through twists of fate Josh and Alistair discover the improbable thread that will bind them forever. Alistair develops more and more into his hero Oscar Wilde whom he quotes at every opportunity. Josh learns to face death and loss, as well as facing his secret past once again.

Papa, are you near me? pulls on your heartstrings in such a way that you are compelled to follow their adventures in order to discover the answer to the title of the novel. At the end the reader feels blessed to have been taken on this journey of love and kindness and to have returned, fulfilled and happier.

Independently published 2023. 293 pages.

Both When, if not now? and Papa, are you near me? are available from Amazon in both paperback ($11.31 ea.) and Kindle ($6.53 ea.) format. Paperback editions can also be purchased directly from the author This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on mobile 052-487 8706.

Profits go to ESRA projects and HaBayit Shel Benjy.