Rating: 
Summary: Another incredible novel from A.B. Yehoshua
Review: This much-anticipated novel by the prominent Israeli writer confirms his stature as one of today's greatest living authors. At once meticulously authentic and lyrically imaginative, the book follows the Orientalist Y. Rivlin in his insistent, even obsessive, quest for truth - both in his personal life and in the current and historical dynamics of conflict and politics in the Middle East. At its core is the ever-present exploration of identity - fluid, interdependent and ultimately undefinable. In beautiful passages translating Arabic love poetry from the middle ages, there is also a subtle hint of surrender for Rivlin - a grudging acknowledgment of failure to rationally understand his "subjects", leaving no option but a renewed immersion in the profound soulfulness and humanity of their lyrics.
Yehoshua is a master at combining detailed descriptions of everyday life with an ambitiously wide scope, creating for the reader the illusion of a mere plot-driven human story while actually presenting a masterpiece dripping with substance from its myriad artfully-designed folds, layers, nooks and crannies. A masterful achievement and a pleasure to read and re-read.
Rating: 
Summary: Contrived and lengthy
Review: While Yehoshua has proven himself to be an excellent writer in the past, his latest does not measure up to his standards. Not that it's a bad book: it's definitely readable and somewhat enjoyable. However, its basic premise - which is the engine that drives most of the story - feels very contrived, and the story itself is at times slow, not to say boring. The political aspect, as always a major facet of Yehoshua's work, feels tacked on to the story instead of being an essential part of it. And all in all, there is just too little story here to support such a long book.In summary - not bad, but I wouldn't make this my first Yehoshua.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent observations of the human condition
Review: Yehoshua has a deep understanding of what makes his main character, Rivlin, tick. The guy is rather an emotional mess, but a close observer of the other characters who are less clearly drawn. His wife is highly predictible and says the same things each time she appears. The Arabs are interesting, but stereotypical. The plot is creaky and the chapter in which the complex sitation between Rivlin's son and the son's ex-wife is finally explained, seems completely contrived. Rather than offering a satisfying conclusion to the book's plot, it feels tacked on, an easy way out for the author who's dug himself a hole. Also, I had guessed the "secret" hundreds of pages earlier. Maybe I was supposed to, but Rivlin never did. The ending, too, is contrived in that everything seems to have worked out for the best. I like Yehoshua's writing, but there is something heavy about it. The book is long and I struggled to stick with it, not because I was bored, but because the people in it were so anxious that they made me anxious, too. The details about life in Israel, for Jew and Arab, were fascinating. I am assuming they are close to reality. But for readers new to Yehoshua, I recommend Mr. Mani.
Rating:
Summary: A deeply moving story
Review: Yehoshua's "The Liberated Bride" is an insightful story of the lives of a modern Israeli family in the North of the country. By exploring a new dimension involving the intertwined lives of Israel's Jews and its Arab citizens or Palestinians/Arabs, Yehoshua created a wonderful plot, amazing characters and fantastic setting that left me awed. He successful penetrated the soul of the political and social issues of the Middle East through characters with motivations that are so simple. The unique writing style by the author made this fast paced novel a first rate page-turner. I recommend this book to readers who might want to learn or know about those Jews and Arabs who are living amicably with one another.
Also recommended: DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE, THE MITLA PASS
Rating:
Summary: Richly detailed tale of modern Israel
Review: Yehoshua's tale of a modern Israeli family and its exposure to Palestinians/Arabs provides a great plot and setting for exploring the political and social issues of the region on an individual scale. The translation seems a bit stilted, though, and the syntax is sometimes difficult to follow. Worth reading for anyone interested in the Middle East today and its social mores.
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