If you are seeking a story infused with emotional depth, archaeological digs and exploration, and exploration of the self, then Drawing in the Dust, by Zoe Klein is a book for you.

The premise of this historical novel involves archaelogist Page Brookstone (interesting surname that is in itself derived of the natural environment). She has been asked by an Arab couple, Ibrahim and Naima, to come to their home in Anatot, Israel to investigate what the couple deems to be haunted ruins and spirits underneath their home. They have become the laughing stock of the neighborhood, and city, due to their insistence that they have seen spirits in their house.

In order to do this, Page must leave Megiddo, where she has worked for over a decade. Leave she does, and from the moment she enters the house of the Arab couple she is enveloped in events beyond any of her wildest dreams.

In between all of this there are male relationships that Page has. Within those relationships she has become complacent and has lacked the stamina to let go of those who seemingly hold her back. She is stuck in time, so to speak, unable to grasp hold of her emotions and life. That is all I will go into detail over regarding Page and her male counterparts.

Page, the couple and Page’s team members discover what they believe could be the grave of biblical Jeremiah. Alongside him is a woman named Anatiya, the woman he loved. Anitaya left a scroll inside an urn or jar, located in the coffin, which coincides with, and parallels the Book of Jeremiah.

These findings cause international chaos, fighting, attacks, thievery, etc. The findings also cause love to be born from the very spirits of the love released when Jeremiah and Anatiya’s coffin is opened. The spirits almost take over Page, as they become infused within her emotions, causing her to become bewildered as the findings unfold.

Zoe Klein has written an intriguing and fascinating historical novel that depicts humankind’s constant search for Self, the meaning of life and living fully, and how each of us is a part of the whole under the planetary umbrella, even after death. Cultural diversity within the confines of love are explored in Drawing in the Dust. Arab and Israeli relationships are heavily explored, along with the American relationship to Israel. Humanity and how we choose to live our lives is woven strongly into Drawing in the Dust, along with love. The quest for archeological truth is bound within the pages, which are infused with a combination of mystery, history, archeology, mystical components, apparitions, religion and its cultural implications, and social and ethnic barriers.

I did sense a message of hope within the pages…hope for humanity to overcome some of its cultural and religious divides.

I found Drawing in the Dust to be a worthwhile read, even with some of its flaws, such as it being a slow or too wordy in parts. Those areas were a bit of a disappointment. I also thought the story could have been developed a bit more concerning Page and her often passive behavior, in a world where assertiveness should be a primary trait. Overall, the story line was good and filled with rich word images.
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I personally own and have read this book.

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Wednesday October 7, 2009 – 19th of Tishrei, 5770