In the Image by Dara Horn
Reviewed by Karen L. Goodis

In The Image by Dara Horn is an intricately constructed novel which traces the history of several individuals whose families were connected numerous generations in the past. As the characters explore their connections to Judaism, to the world and to each other questions arise which force the reader to explore their own connections to family, friends and spouses.

Each character is searching for something missing in their life. Bill Landesman, an elderly refugee, travels the globe constantly looking for images which remind him of Biblical passages. Leora, his granddaughter’s best friend enters his life shortly after her friend is killed by a car. Numbed by her loss Leora feels as though she is a tourist in her own life. As we journey with Leora through the past, present and future, we see her learn how to live fully again.

Each chapter is almost a short story, linking the lives of a variety of characters all of whom eventually come back to Bill and Leora. Questions about Judaism and how each character celebrates Shabbat enrich the book and urges the reader to question their own observance. Belief in God, the meaning of good and evil, how the past impacts on the future all are a part of this wonderful first novel.

This is a book to read, to discuss, to share. It deals with the large issues of every life and the personal issues within the lives of richly drawn characters.