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The Mandelbaum Gate
The Mandelbaum Gate: A Novel | Muriel Spark
2 posts | 4 read | 2 to read
For Barbara Vaughn, a checkpoint between Jordan and the newly formed Israel is the threshold to painful self-discovery Barbara Vaughn is a scholarly woman whose fascination with religion stems partly from a conversion to Catholicism, and partly from her own half-Jewish background. When her boyfriend joins an archaeological excursion to search for additional Dead Sea Scrolls, Vaughn takes the opportunity to explore the Holy Land. But this is 1960, and with the nation of Israel still in its infancy, the British Empire in retreat from the region, and the Eichmann trials in full swing, Vaughn uncovers much deeper mysteries than those found at tourist sites. Both an espionage thriller and a journey of faith, The Mandelbaum Gate won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize upon its publication, and is one of Sparks most compelling novels. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Muriel Spark including rare photos and never-before-seen documents from the authors archive at the National Library of Scotland.
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review
Smarkies
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Bailedbailed

Read this for #Jordan for #Readingasia2021 as the Mandelbaum Gate was the marker between the Israeli / Jordanian controlled areas of Jerusalem. Even though humourous at bits and a historical snapshot of the time in question, at the 75% mark, the book could not maintain my attention. Deciding to put this aside first and maybe try a more prominent Sparks book.

BarbaraBB I am sorry to hear this is not a good one. I have enjoyed some of her other works. More prominent indeed and for a reason it seems 😉 3y
Smarkies @BarbaraBB I am racking this bail up to my current reading mood. 😅😅 3y
BarbaraBB I know what you mean about those moods 😀 3y
29 likes3 comments
review
andrew61
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Pickpick

A half jewish Catholic woman goes to 1961 Israeli Jerusalem to meet her archaeologist fiance in Jordanian Jerusalem by crossing the gate of title and having to rescued by English gentleman. A fascinating read, a times difficult to follow at times comic but full of religious and political insights and brilliant writing. I may make 2019 my muriel spark year.
After a busy week i hope tonight to catch up with everyone posts with a glass of wine and bk

DivineDiana Great photo! 👏🏻 5y
saresmoore I was just going to say exactly what @DivineDiana said! 5y
DivineDiana @saresmoore 👍🏻🙂📚 (edited) 5y
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andrew61 @Lindy @saresmoore @DivineDiana I had to borrow from a library within another Borough near where i work. I hadn't noticed it when i picked the book up but it is a lovely sculpture. With my job i do go to the town so next trip i will find out more and report back ☺ 5y
Lindy @andrew61 The soft light on yellow stone is very appealing. I look forward to hearing more about the sculpture. (edited) 5y
CarolynM I need to read more Muriel Spark. Stacked. 5y
31 likes1 stack add7 comments