I requested this book as I enjoy books that move from generation to generation and historical fiction. The story goes through many subplots, a car bomb, drugs, murder with characters of gangsters, soldiers, policemen and politicians. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of the audiobook.

A brutal, spanning history of Israel through the eyes of characters and their loose association with Cohen, a beat cop who rises through the ranks at the same time the country changes and evolves: you get to hear so many vital stories that provide an eye-opener into Israel's history if you're not too familiar, and the backdrop of the historical noir that gives the book its edge frames it around an ongoing <i>Zodiac</i> type mystery wrapped up with a premise that makes it ideal for fans of <i>The Godfather</i> or <i>The White Tiger</i>; or if you liked the style of William Boyd's <i>The Romantic</i> which tells a whole life in one book - this one goes one step further with its rich lead characters and tells the life of a whole country through their eyes; Cohen only really a side figure: we see how Cohen is operated around them moving back and forth between worlds like a ghost, showing up in the lives of a woman who snaps and murders her friend, and then intent on taking down a serial rapist.

It's a dark book, the torture scenes early on especially when listening to on audio are downright uncomfortable but it's told in a way that challenges the audience and dares them to question whether Cohen has any kind of moral stand point or leg to stand on at all - whilst we primarily see others' views of him rather than his own, the opening chapter introduces us to what kind of man he's like, and Tidhar - playing in a completely different genre to his past works, gives us a memorable playing field that proves how versatile he is as a writer. I'm a massive fan.

I was intrigued by the blurb; the author is new to me and I know relatively little about Israel. I was unaware of the symbolism in the title and cover art. Mayor is a bitter herb served as a reminder of the pain behind the Jewish exodus.

This is a complex multilayered novel in which the author explores numerous themes,not least the dark underbelly of Israel. One in which corruption, violence, prostitution and more thrives alongside the idealism of a new state. Cohen, a police officer touched by corruption in numerous ways, is the central character. The narrative is not chronological and his investigations are not always in Israel. This can make the story a little difficult follow, but it enables the author to move through some four decades of events following the end of the Six Day War in 1967. The story is a mix of fact, fiction and overall is an allegorical tale which examines the two very different faces of a new State. To what extent does the reality match the idealism and rhetoric of foundation?

I’ve struggled with the audio version. It’s incredibly complex and given the epic nature of the story, it’s one which rightly demands full attention. It’s littered with references to real people, but I’m sure I haven’t picked up on all of them and neither do I understand the Hebrew bits, for which there’s no translation. It’s certainly violent and graphic at times but overall, it’s one which deserves a wider audience. It raises many moral, ethical and political questions which are beyond my limited comprehension. That said, although it’s a challenging listen, I’m sure that a hard copy would be very rewarding. It would allow easy reference to bits that I didn’t fully understand and provide a platform for clarity around the people and subject matter. It’s a roller coaster book, very different to what I normally read, but that’s the excitement of exploring literature. Stick with it; it’s haunting and rewarding.

I had decided to take a chance on this book as I thought I might learn something. I did re Israel and for that I am glad that I listened to it. I just found it difficult to follow as all new to me.

The narration worked.

I was given a free copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own