Review of Here There Is No Why

[EBERE WRITES COCEPT]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Here There Is No Why" by Philip Graubart.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Here There Is No Why journeys with the reader into the heart of Israel past and present through the eyes of Judah Loeb, a struggling journalist who embarks on a quest to save his career and unravels the mysteries behind Chaim Lerner’s unexpected suicide, which occurred in 1983. Hannah, his daughter, also went with him to Jerusalem under the guise of following her father, but mainly to solve her school project about suicide bombers. In Israel, both father and daughter came across secrets about the life of Lerner that took him off the pedestal of the man he used to be. But is it okay to ruin a man’s reputation after he’s dead? How will the truths they uncover reshape their lives, beliefs, and legacy? Will Judah be able to accept the uncomfortable truth about the teacher he admires so much, or will some mysteries remain unsolved and undisclosed? What happens when the weight of history becomes too heavy to bear and the ghosts of their past become irreconcilable? Read Here There Is No Why by Philip Graubart to explore and understand more about the results of the Judah Loeb journalistic report.
 
The book discusses the Holocaust and its contemporary effect on the lives of Jews and Jewish identity. The book centers on the struggle and the horrors of Chaim Lerner, a Holocaust survivor, Jacob Loeb, and his daughter Hannah. Jacob and his daughter’s journey is that of resolving Lerner’s death or school project alone. It is also a journey that allows both father and daughter to heal from the things that haunt and hurt them. Hannah, despite being five when her mother committed suicide, still cares for the why's. But sometimes there is just no why. The book is a blend of both past and present, giving a multidimensional insight into their experience and historical context. The book explores the themes of trauma, grief, suicide, identity, guilt, politics, and vulnerability. One significant example is Judah’s recollection of moments following his wife’s suicide, an event that left an indelible scar on both him and Hannah; this personal tragedy mirrors and creates a backdrop for the historical and larger trauma he unravels and confronts in his investigation of Lerner’s death. The book's plot is intricately woven, enabling readers to get the right sense of the landscape. The book also has perfect pacing and a structured order of storytelling.
 
Some of the standout points of this book are that Graubart’s writing is profound and lyrical, with a tone that carries the theme and subject of the book. The tone Graubart employed in the book helps to carry the topic, which might seem too heavy for readers who are inclined towards a certain belief or support. For instance, the anti-Semitic, Zionist, and pro-Palestinian discussions were well carried out with a profound and clear tone. And his prose is accessible and elegant, making complex themes, religions, or traditional terms accessible. The character’s development also adds another strong point to the book. Graubart fully fleshed out the characters, showcasing their personalities, personal hurdles, and scars. This effort by the author makes the characters relatable and easy to understand. Like the character of Ilana, when he gets angry with his brother for wanting to investigate Lerner’s suicide, but at the same time she cares, listens, and makes sure Judah gets the right care and therapy when his wife dies. This showcases the dynamics of humans and the different ways each person shows their love and concerns.
 
There is nothing I find displeasing in the book, as the author puts effort into passing his point across, making the book both educative and informative as it explores enlightening topics. For instance, when talking about making aliyah (move to Israel) and the nakbah, they were topics that made me want to learn more about the subject of the book. 
 
Here There Is No Why by Philip Graubart is well edited; I found no grammatical errors in the book. I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars for the way it tackles complex themes with grace and intelligence. The book is perfect for anyone who is open-minded to new ideas and other people’s points of view and beliefs. I recommend the book to readers who enjoy mystery books.

******
Here There Is No Why
View: on Bookshelves

[NetMassimo]

A mystery that includes complex themes and digs into Israel's people and culture, including religion and its origin after the Holocaust is interesting. Thank you for your great review!

[Enkay Favour]

“Here There Is No Why” by Philip Graubart delves into the complex interplay of personal and historical trauma through a gripping narrative of a journalist and his daughter uncovering dark secrets in Israel. The novel’s profound exploration of identity, grief, and legacy, coupled with its lyrical prose and well-rounded characters, promises an insightful read for those intrigued by the intersection of history and personal redemption.

[Emmanuel Chima 3]

*Here There Is No Why* by Philip Graubart deftly intertwines personal and historical trauma, following a journalist and his daughter as they investigate a Holocaust survivor’s mysterious suicide. With its profound and lyrical writing, the book navigates themes of grief, identity, and historical impact with sensitivity and depth. The characters are well-developed, and the story is both engaging and thought-provoking. It’s a compelling read for those interested in complex mysteries and rich historical contexts.

[Nuella Joseph]

"Here There Is No Why by Philip Graubart weaves a compelling narrative exploring themes of trauma, identity, and historical legacy through the investigation of a Holocaust survivor’s suicide. The novel's profound prose and well-developed characters offer a deep, multi-dimensional look at the impact of past and present struggles. If you appreciate thoughtful explorations of complex themes and rich character development, this book is worth your attention."