The Collaborator of Bethlehem, by Matt Beynon Rees (2006)
This is a rather disturbing mystery novel, the first in the Omar Yussef series, that focuses on Omar Yussef, a schoolteacher in a United Nations school in Bethleham. The novel is about the tensions between the Muslim Arabs and the Christians living in Bethleham. Added to the mix are the Israelis who seek out terrorists and the so-called Martyrs Brigade that terrorizes everyone.
Omar has been teaching for many years and is toying with the idea of retirement. Many of his former students are now successful citizens of the area and Omar has maintained bonds with them. One of his students, George Saba now runs an antique shop.
When a member of the Martyrs Brigade was shot and killed, George, a Christian, was arrested and sentenced to death as being a collaborator of the Israelis to target terrorists. Omar believes that George is innocent and takes a leave from his classroom to become an amateur sleuth to prove George is in the clear.
Omar uncovers evidence that he believes clears George, but no one is willing to consider. The novel is disturbing. The police detective tells George that his job is to keep his head down and consider only the state and its security, regardless of the innocence or guilt of a suspect. The thrust of this mystery lies in the politics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Read: February 12, 2021
3 Stars
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