Here at Bookstr, we come across many books and authors. Chuck Lichtman is the type of author who has captivated us, both with who he is in the world and the stories he tells. He’s an expert in Middle East affairs and issues regarding terrorism. He’s also founded a national voter protection program, is an award winning lawyer and is even a brilliant pianist. He brings The Sword of David to life incorporating his real life experiences combined with all the elements of fantasy and thriller – with religion, history, terrorism and ripped from the headlines conflict all wrapped into one.
The Story
The prologue sets the stage of the story, with the Romans sacking Jerusalem, taking The Sword of David with them. The story continues, following the protagonist Chaim Klein through many places around the world, starting with the city of Jerusalem and going around to Mecca, Ethiopia, London, and Paris. A bit of supernatural flair is added with the real Ten Commandments tablets and The Sword of David itself.
The Great…
Right away, the fact that the protagonist has a cultural and religious tie to the artifacts and mission in the story is amazing. The reader can finally get a feel for how important the mission really is from the main character, instead of picking up of vibes from the supporting cast. Then there is the representation. A Jewish character is not only in the spotlight of the novel, but as the good guy too! It is a delightful change from the evil caricatures that jews have been portrayed as in the past. Going further, the author addresses the issues between the Middle East and Israel, and implementing a goal of peace between faiths instead of ‘who’s right’.
And the Not So Great.
All novels have their faults, and thankfully there is really only one for The Sword of David. As can be in any spy thriller, there’s a lot of violence and death in the book. It did make the book more suspenseful because the reader might not know who will die next. While it is understood that the novel is about a high-stake mission, if that isn’t your taste, it might not be for you.
Final Thoughts
This book will definitely take your breath away, while still giving you a satisfying ending without the need for a sequel. This book brings about a hopeful air for future diversity and representation in literature. Give it a read and see for yourself!