Michael Berkowitz

2 weeks ago | jewishbookcouncil.org | Kristin Harmel |Michael Berkowitz

Not all wars end the day peace is declared. In Claire Deya’s novel Blast, translated from the French by Adriana Hunter, this immediately becomes clear. Blast takes place in Spring 1945 on the southern coast of France as World War II is nearing its end. The characters not only carry the psychological burdens of personal trauma and guilt; they are also tasked with the still-dangerous cleanup after the fighting is over.