I’ve always wanted to visit Israel and you can tell that the author fell in love with Jerusalem because he writes about it so vividly. It’s easy to imagine yourself exploring the laneways of the Old City, enjoying falafel and fresh pomegranate juice at Samir’s café and climbing the rickety staircase at dusk to see the view of Mount of Olives from the titular rooftop.

Israel is often discussed through either a Jewish or Muslim lens but Daniel, the main character in A Rooftop in Jerusalem is Christian.

The author doesn’t shy away from delving deeper into the rich and complicated history of the country and includes both Israeli and Palestinian voices. One of the most interesting parts of the book is when Daniel leads an interfaith group on a tour around Israel and you get to experience the various historical sites (Yad Vashem, for example) from the perspectives of the Jewish, Muslim and Christian group members. Overall, I found it very thought-provoking.

The Vibe
Christian theologian in Jerusalem reflects on living among Jews, Muslims, & Christians.
Faith meets reality.
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Best Moments
• Quiet conversations with neighbors
• Real talk about justice and peace
• Walking the streets of a sacred city with an open heart
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Emotional Impact
Thoughtful, honest, deeply human.
Felt more like a shared prayer than a memoir.
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Underrated Insight
Peace is a practice, not a theory.
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Thank you NetGalley for the arc

The Old City of Jerusalem has enchanted me from afar for years. A Rooftop in Jerusalem is beautifully written and descriptive, a multi-sensory experience. I could taste the delectable food, hear the bustling souks, see the celebrations and ancient sites. The fictional story is vibrant, colourful and poignant, a love story to Jerusalem. In 1969, American Christian Daniel Jacobs became besotted with the culture, history and the people when he decided to study there. He met new friends and fell in love with Israeli Shoshana. Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures simultaneously melded and clashed. As time went on, Daniel visited Jerusalem off and on into the 2000s. Over the span of four decades, his life changed in many ways but his passion for Jerusalem never waned, even when suicide bombings occurred with Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.

My favourite aspects of this book are the vivid descriptions, Jewish festivals, history, and learning more about cultures. I really connected with Daniel's obsession with Israel as I feel the same way about a country I live in part time, too. The story is raw yet tender, moving and fascinating. It's unique and special.