Grandpa’s Mountain: Letters from a Border Kibbutz in Israel by Arieh Larkey, Gefen Publishing House, 2015
By Sheila Orysiek
SAN DIEGO — After accidentally finding his grandfather’s address in Israel, a twelve-year-old boy in America decided to write. He hoped to establish a relationship and find the warmth and understanding that he felt was lacking in his relationship with his parents. What ensued was a correspondence which lasted for many years as grandfather and grandson wove a web of common interests though they were separated by time and distance.
The exchange included the revelation of the severe consequences which resulted from familial differences of opinion and family breakup. However, it also included the discovery of commonalities of interest the grandson and grandfather shared. Many times a young person has need of an understanding adult separate from those living within the same house – another ear, another opinion, upon which to test a growing awareness of self.
The letters discuss making decisions about education, career goals and future hopes and plans. They discover that each enjoyed camping and outdoor activities and membership in the Boy Scouts. In addition, they share opinions on world events, friendships, and the common problems that each of us face across generational lines.
Though this is a work of fiction, it is written in the first person modality of an exchange of letters and thus it has the impact of non-fiction immediacy. Only toward the end is there the introduction of an unexplained “narrator’s voice” in the third person.
This book would be a thoughtful addition to the library of a young adult.
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Orysiek is a freelance writer who specializes in arts and literature. You may comment to sheila.orysiek@sdjewishworld.com, or post your comment on this website provided that the rules below are observed.
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