The People of Forever Are Not Afraid (Hogarth), the debut novel from Israeli author Shani Boianjiu, has been critically acclaimed as a “revelation.” It’s the story of three young women who have grown up together and are coming of age — though, in Israel, their period of self-discovery coincides with their mandatory two-year service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Drawing on her personal experiences, Boianjiu introduces readers to Yael, Avishag and Lea, whose lives change in unpredictable ways and influence the women they will become. Little fiction has been written about young Israelis in the military, especially women, and Boianjiu is successful in capturing a unique time in the girls’ lives. — E.E.B.
(American Jewish World, 11.9.12)
