One More River

Lesley's father feels his family's Jewishness is compromised by their wealthy Canadian lifestyle. When he decides they will live on an Israeli kibbutz, Lesley is convinced she'll be unable to adapt to the austere conditions. At first, she is physically and emotionally drained, but with her acceptance of the situation comes the realisation that she's where she belongs. She becomes briefly acquainted with an Arab boy and the relationship symbolises the moral dilemma thrown into vivid relief by the Six Days' War. One More River raises issues of adaptability and change, but above all questions the morality of a victory which humiliates the conquered forces. This would make a useful and rewarding addition to GCSE reading lists.