Drawing in the Dust by Zoe Klein

American archaeologist Page Brookstone is on a routine dig in Meggido when she is approached by an Arab couple about excavating the grounds beneath their house in Anatot, Israel.  The couple, Ibrahim and Aisha Barakat, claim the ghosts of two lovers haunt their home and cast an amorous spell on anyone who enters the dwelling.  Page is one of many archaeologists the Barakats have tried to interest in solving their mystery.   Intrigued by the Barakats’ claim and ignoring the scorn of her peers, Page agrees to investigate the site where she is immediately overwhelmed by an undeniable force.  After Ibrahim shows Page hard evidence of a cistern located beneath his living room floor, Page is hooked. 

Soon Page makes an incrediable discovery in the cistern:  the bones of the prophet Jeremiah locked in an eternal embrace with a woman named Anatiya.  Buried along with the entwined skeleton are scrolls written by Anatiya, which challenge the prophet’s story and create a worldwide fervor intended to silence the truth about the lovers. 

Page finds herself unexpectedly caught up in a forbidden romance with an ultra-orthodox Jew whose organization opposes the efforts to unearth the skeletons.  Under seige from both religious zealots and harsh critics, Page puts both her life and her professional reputation on the line to deliver Anatiya’s words to the world. 

This book is a nice blend of romance, mystery and historical fiction.  The author, Zoe Klein, is a Jewish rabbi with an expert’s grasp of ancient texts.  The book reflects Rabbi Klein’s hopeful vision of the Middle East where boundaries between Christian, Jew and Muslim evaporate.

Mary Beth – York             ISBN 9781416599128