To the End of the Land

David Grossman

August 9, 2011

David Grossman’s To the End of the Land is a compelling and heartbreaking novel about the devastating impact of war and the lengths a mother will go to protect her son.Ora is a middle-aged Jewish woman living in Israel whose son Ofer, who is in his 20s, is about to head off to army reserve duty. In an effort to keep him out of harm's way, she convinces Ofer to go with her on a grueling two-week hike on the Galilee Trail. During the journey, as they battle the elements and the terrain, Ora recounts stories of her past and talks about all the ways she has witnessed the horrors of war firsthand, from her first husband's death in the Yom Kippur War to her current husband, who is recovering from a shattered heart and post-traumatic stress caused by a brutal episode of violence during Israel’s occupation of Lebanon.The novel details Ora's journey as she confronts the realities of war, the fragility of life, and the intricacies of hope and survival. To the End of the Land is a brilliant exploration of the complex and multifaceted nature of grief and war and their effects on the individuals caught in the crossfire. Grossman’s stirring and vivid narrative invites readers to share in Ora’s painful journey of love, loss, and resilience and the never-ending struggle of mothers the world over to protect the ones they love.