Exotic, sensual and poetic are the first words that come to mind of Diane Armstrong’s writing style in The Wild Date Palm. There’s mystery, danger, romance and death. Daring acts of defiance in the war against the enemy. And there are characters who fulfill their purpose and meet tragic ends. There were some I did not want to say good bye to and left me feeling sad. This in itself is the realistic aspect of war, particularly among resistant fighters who were captured, tortured and died. And Ms. Armstrong does not spare us or wrap our emotions in cotton balls to protect us from the inevitable. The harsh truth comes hurtling through like a sword aimed to kill.
Many petals are dropped along the pathway to freedom from bouquets of heart break on this journey that changes, teaches and informs us of what it might have been like for those who fought back. This novel is a real testament of courage and sacrifice inspired by a true story with many of the characters based on real people. I truly felt transported to the setting and given a front row seat to the events, homes and lives of these determined individuals who were not content to sit back and wait to be overtaken.
It all started in the picturesque town of Zichron Yaakov in Israel, where some young Jews formed a spy ring in an attempt to defeat the oppressive Turkish rulers. Their desire to help Britain win the war drove them to take risks that most people would not have considered. Many villagers did not approve of this group and worried they would draw attention to their community and bring ruin on them all. Spying on the Ottoman Empire could only lead to horrific events once its leaders knew. And, of course, eventually death and destruction did come knocking at their doors. But what sparked the beginning of this novel was a real woman named Sarah Aaronsohns whose tragic self-inflicted death was so memorable that the author knew she had to tell her story. This woman who was brave, daring and strong in character, became a leader – one who would not betray her comrades no matter what.
This novel is incredibly moving with a fascinating cast that you care about. The brilliant botanist brother Nathan plays an important role in this spy ring. Then there is Shoshana who loved fiercely, led bravely and died heroically. Her relationship with her little sister is a troubled one. But sibling love is at the core of her actions despite the friction. Their own journeys together and apart provide valuable insight into their personalities. The fact they loved the same man (Eli) created some tense moments. But they each find their own path and through a series of events come together eventually for healing. Sadly, only one will survive to carry on the legacy of hope: to tell the story.
The title of this novel The Wild Date Palm has a special romantic / symbolic meaning, too, which readers will see once arriving at a certain point in the plot. There are some amazing lyrical lines expressed in Eli’s and Shoshana’s correspondence and thoughts. They see themselves as soulmates that can never be parted and will remain attached to each other forever. There are moments shared by Shoshana that shows how connected in spirit she was to him and him to her.
I, like Diane, have been fascinated by the less known stories of those who are in the footnotes of history. In fact, this very same thought I have used in my own writing. It is those brave persons who sometimes fall through the cracks of history that authors want to bring out into the light to give them their chance to tell their worthwhile story: to be given a stage to be seen and heard. The author has wonderfully achieved this in The Wild Date Palm.
I highly recommend this exceptional tragic and triumphant story that shows how even death cannot quell the power of love and cry for freedom. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
