This book combines historical fiction with mystery and a bit of romance. The beginning starts with chapters jumping between the past and present. This was a bit confusing with so many characters but by chapter six it started to make some sense.

It was refreshing to read a different perspective on the post WWII stories around the establishment of Israel. Many writers focus in European emigration and this book sheds lesser known stories of Yemeni Jews and the present-day challenges of civilians living among terrorists. It illustrates the political corruption and dangers people face every day in the middle east.

The additional hook if mystery around long lost treasure kept the reader engaged but it was a surprise that there wasn't more detail around the jewelry when found. And as the wound down, the author clearly shifted focus to the political environment.

So in all there are several stories and themes simultaneously going in which offers a little bit for each interest. That said it was a quick read yet did not include metaphorically colored descriptions. It was captivating yet fell a little flat near the end leaving some missed opportunities for the author on the table.

I was unfamiliar to the history of Jewish people in Yemen before picking up The Silversmith’s Secret. Seche’s writing flows effortlessly, blending historical insight with narrative elegance. His journalistic background shines through in the precision of his prose and the vividness of his storytelling. He manages to educate without ever feeling didactic, and the result is a book that’s as informative as it is engaging. Highly recommended for anyone interested in history, culture, or simply a beautifully told story.

The Silversmith’s Secret, by Stephen A. Seche, is a captivating and artfully written literary fiction novel that links the lives of Hank and Moishe. Hank is an American journalist and self proclaimed optimist with the ‘larceny gene’. Moishe is a Jewish Yemeni silversmith escaping persecution, forced to leave his life’s work behind.

After being let go by his employer, Hank is given a letter from Moishe, written more than 50 years prior, and is awarded a chance to remake his life. What begins a journey to find the proverbial buried treasure seamlessly morphes into something much more meaningful.

The complicated interweaving of lives and stories sets this book apart. The characters are well introduced and developed. History is brought to life within the pages. Seche educates readers on Yemeni culture, the plight of the Yemeni Jews, their exodus following WWII, and the current War on Terror almost a decade after 9/11.

I recommend this book to all readers. Throughout this work you see trials, hardships, and mistakes turn into growth. Beauty, joy, and human decency shine through despite devastation. The novel is well researched and Seche’s experiences living in Yemen help create a realistic tale. This is the type of book that makes you rue that you reached the end.


Overall rating: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot/Structure: 4.5/5
Style: 4.5/5
Engagement and Enjoyment: 4.5/5
Rereadability: 4/5
Recommendation: 4.75 /5