A Thought-Provoking and Unforgettable Collection: Jerusalem Beach by Iddo Geffen

Guest Review by Bookstagrammer Leor Mekahel

So many books, so little time! I am very excited to start using this platform to highlight Jewish and Israeli books beyond our monthly book club picks. Today I’m honored to feature Leor, a Jewish bookstagrammer and Zionist Girls Read book club member, as our first guest writer! You can find her on Instagram as @leor_bookstagram. Here’s her thoughtful review of Iddo Gefen’s remarkable collection Jerusalem Beach. Enjoy!

Jerusalem Beach is a collection of short stories by Iddo Geffen that blends intelligence, emotional depth, and sharp social insight. Geffen navigates complex human relationships, the tensions between power and vulnerability, and the ways in which we find meaning and purpose. I listened to the audiobook version in less than two days. I was captivated by Geffen's storytelling abilities. Geffen's writing is engaging, smooth, and descriptive, standing out in its ability to spark introspection. It led me to contemplate the stories days after I finished the book.

1. The Writing Style – A Perfect Balance of Wit and Depth

From the very first story, it was clear how gifted a writer Geffen is. His writing is polished and sophisticated. The stories were easy to follow and allowed me to immerse myself in each world he created. The stories feel well-crafted. Geffen has a sharp wit and subtle humor, but what truly stays with you afterward is that every story draws powerful emotions and requires reflection well beyond the reading experience. The stories aren't just meant for entertainment, but force readers to examine their own beliefs, perspectives, and views on the world.

2. Memorable Stories and Themes:

While all the stories were memorable, my favorites were Neptune, Geriatric Platoon, The Girl Who Lived Near the Sun, and 101.3 FM.

Neptune – A Dark, Unsettling Exploration of Power and Consequence
Neptune is one of the most striking stories in the collection. The story explores the actions of characters when they believe they can act without fear of repercussions. It delves into the dark side of human behavior, particularly the way isolation can embolden people to do things they wouldn't consider if they knew there would be consequences. Geffen does an exceptional job of capturing the complexities of human relationships in this story.

Geriatric Platoon – Humor, Heart, and the Complexity of Family Bonds
Geriatric Platoon offers a deeply moving exploration of family relationships, especially between a grandfather, father, and son. The story brilliantly balances comedy and heartache. The humor here is sharp and dark, but it ultimately serves to highlight the complexity of relationships. One of my favorite lines from the story: “On our way to the bench, we saw a few elderly members of my grandfather’s platoon sitting on a bench. Grandpa introduced us to them with such pride it was easy to forget that only a few days earlier, he had expressed a sincere willingness to smash their heads in with the butt of his rifle.”

The Girl Who Lived Near the Sun – An Intellectual and Emotional Journey in Outer Space
The concept of The Girl Who Lived Near the Sun is as ambitious as it is innovative. Set in outer space, the story follows the relationship between two characters, and though the narrative focuses primarily on just the two of them, Geffen’s world-building is so vivid and immersive that you feel as if you’re living right near the sun. The story touches on themes of isolation, intellectual connection, and the human desire for intimacy, all while keeping the reader intrigued by its speculative, sci-fi premise. What’s especially impressive about this story is how it manages to make such a confined setting feel expansive, and how Geffen effortlessly intertwines philosophical musings with the emotions and vulnerabilities of the characters. In many ways, I found myself wishing Geffen had expanded this story into a full-length novel—it’s the kind of world I wanted to spend more time in.

101.3 FM – Exploration of the Importance of Boundaries in Relationships
101.3 FM is a brilliant story that explores the complexities of communication, trust, and the insecurities inherent in relationships. The story revolves around the impact a radio station that can broadcast the inner thoughts of people has on a relationship. It examines the consequences of being able to hear someone's unspoken thoughts. The story tackles how our vulnerabilities and hidden insecurities shape our interactions and explores the tension between privacy and intimacy.

3. Geffen’s Creative Genius – A Blend of Intellectual Stimulation and Emotional Resonance

Throughout Jerusalem Beach, Iddo Geffen draws the reader in with his incredible ability to blend intellect with emotional resonance. There is a tenderness in his writing that makes even the most philosophical narratives feel grounded in real human experiences. His characters feel fully realized and complex, and their emotional journeys are as compelling as the worlds he builds around them.

Jerusalem Beach is a Fantastic Collection of Short Stories and a Glimpse of a Bright Future.

Jerusalem Beach showcases Iddo Geffen’s remarkable talent, leaving me eager to see what he will create next! I am especially looking forward to his upcoming book, Mrs. Lilienblum's Cloud Factory.

If you’re a fan of intelligent, emotionally rich fiction that doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of life, Jerusalem Beach is a must-read.