The Devil In Jerusalem by Naomi Ragen- 304 pages
Book Blurb:
Two brothers are admitted to Jerusalem’s Hadassah Hospital with horrific injuries. Their mother, a young American, devoutly recites Psalms at the bedside, refusing to answer any questions. Brought in to investigate, Detective Bina Tzedek follows a winding path that takes her through Jerusalem’s Old City, kabbalists, mystical ancient texts, and terrifying cult rituals, until she finally uncovers the shocking truth.
My Review: 4.5 stars
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The Devil in Jerusalem is a disturbing yet wonderful work of fiction based on actual events. Author Naomi Ragen delves into the extremist sub-cultures of religion, in this case one of Ultra Orthodox Judaism. With haunting details that are most definitely not for the faint of heart, this book will stay with you long after you read it. (Painfully graphic scenes of abuse are portrayed.)
I found this to be a very important piece of work as almost every religion has a radical cult like sect. Ragen illustrates just how simply intelligent people can get caught into this spider web of false beliefs, and in the process lose your family, your children, your money, your sanity and yourself. I spent many a night Googling away as I researched past incidents of these cults and found myself sleepless with angst. Unbelievably, these types of groups are alive and well.
Wanting to belong, motherhood, pride, family, money, birth control, education, love and religion are all themes in this book. I can see this novel being a great book for book clubs to discuss.
Quotes I liked:
Only one thing filled her with certainty: she wanted to be a mother.”
-“That’s why it didn’t matter abut college and birth control, she told herself. She would have no profession other than mothering, no outside interests that would interfere with taking care of her children, every one a precious, multifaceted gem that she would fashion and polish, bringing out their full potential for g-dliness.”
-“Free money is the least free thing in the world. It comes with all kinds of strings attached.”
-“And when you get a chance to be together, don’t just chatter. Look into each other’s eyes, feel each other’s soul. Make each other feel loved and appreciated.”
-“Some people would rather delude themselves forever than actually look into a mirror.”
-“And feel free to ask questions. He who is ashamed to ask can never learn.”
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