(Fiction, 258 pp. 2025)
The mysteries surrounding Mrs. Lilienblum’s three-day disappearance, during which her newest invention transforms Negev sand to rain clouds, initiates a high-spririted series of almost-possible events in this droll and entertaining first novel by 2023’s Sami Rohr Prize winner. Gefen’s satirical fable confides the endearing secrets of a close-knit family and its community, parodies Israel’s extravagant tech juggernaut, ponders the quiet burden of unrequited dreams, and wraps everything up in a hilariously tidy and rain-drenched package.
Review by Ellis Shuman, The Times of Israel, August 14, 2025
Review by Ranen Omer-Sherman, Jewish Book Council, March 31, 2025
Review by Harvey Freedenberg, Shelf Awareness, n.d.
Review by Rabbi Rachel Esserman, The Reporter, August 6, 2025
Interview with author by Hagit Arieli-Chai, Casden Institute, September 21, 2025 (video)
