This under-the-radar gem features a crime, but it's more of a family drama with a crime as a catalyst than straight-up crime fiction. The story centers around a family of Israeli immigrants happily living in Silicon Valley…until there is a violent attack on a synagogue and, separately, a Black boy (Jamal) dies of an apparent overdose at a house party. Following Jamal’s death, it surfaces that Adam, the Israeli family’s son, might know more than he’s saying. Meanwhile, Adam begins taking self defense classes with a native Israeli named Uri who becomes close to Adam’s family. All these threads do tie together. The story deals with anti-semitism and the tinderbox atmosphere it creates in this Silicon Valley community. There's also a very Defending Jacob-esque complication of when a family member has possibly committed a crime and the impact that has on the family. The story did take an unexpected turn and I still can’t decide whether it was too random or if it was unexpected, but made made sense once you considered the events of the story through a different lens. Regardless, The Wolf Hunt is highly readable and I blew through it in 2 days.

Racial Tensions, Family Dynamics

The Wolf Hunt by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen is a gripping and timely novel set primarily in California's Silicon Valley. The story revolves around Lilach (Leela) Shuster, an Israeli-American mother, whose life is turned upside down when her son, Adam, is accused of involvement in the death of Jamal Jones, a Black schoolboy. The novel intricately explores the ensuing investigation and the personal turmoil faced by Leela as she navigates the complex social and racial dynamics of her community.

The Wolf Hunt is a powerful examination of race, identity, and the human condition, packaged within a suspenseful and engaging plot. Ayelet Gundar-Goshen's latest work continues to showcase her prowess as a storyteller and her keen insight into the complexities of modern life.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In the literary landscape where thrillers often tread familiar ground, Ayelet Gundar-Goshen's "The Wolf Hunt" is a compelling blend of suspense and profound human drama. This novel, set against the backdrop of Silicon Valley's deceptive tranquility, delves into the turbulent waters of racial tensions, parental anxiety, and the haunting question of identity.

The story unfolds through the eyes of Lilach Shuster, an Israeli-American mother grappling with the accusation that her teenage son, Adam, has killed a Black schoolboy. The narrative is a masterclass in tension, weaving a web of uncertainty that ensnares not just the characters but the readers themselves. Gundar-Goshen's prose is sharp, her insights into the immigrant experience are poignant, and her exploration of the cultural chasm between American prosperity and the reality of an immigrant's struggle is both nuanced and bold.

As the investigation into the schoolboy's death spirals, Lilach's journey morphs into a psychological odyssey. The novel's strength lies in its ability to confront uncomfortable truths about prejudice and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her child. The characters are flawlessly etched, relatable in their imperfections, and their emotional journeys resonate with off-the-charts intensity.

*The Wolf Hunt* is not just a story about a crime; it's a narrative that challenges the reader to look beyond the black and white and find understanding in the grey areas of human behavior. It's a tale that resonates with the current social climate, making it both timely and timeless.

Gundar-Goshen's novel is a triumph, a work that captures the essence of a community in crisis and the individual souls caught in the crossfire. It's a book that doesn't shy away from the messiness of life, offering no easy resolutions but a mirror to the complexities of the world we navigate.

In conclusion, "The Wolf Hunt" is a must-read for those who seek a thriller with depth, a character study with heart, and a social commentary with courage. It's a novel that stays with you long after the last page is turned, a testament to Gundar-Goshen's prowess as a storyteller of the highest caliber.

Another thought-provoking novel from Israeli novelist, Ayelet Gundar-Goshen. The Wolf Hunt is set in Silicon Valley. It focuses on an Israeli couple with a 16 year old son, who is rumoured to have killed an African-American student at his school. Questions of antisemitism, identity and home are raised in this engrossing novel. Did Adam, who was being bullied by Jamal, give him the drugs that killed him? Why is Uri, another Israeli technology expert interested in teaching kids self-defense and becoming close to the family? What’s his real story?

Many thank to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

Unfortunately, I was unable to finish this. I made it about 20% in and was not engaged in the story. I do recommend it to others to try!

I have mixed feeling about this book because it was so interesting, dark and thought-provoking but the subject matter and topics explored were quite heavy so it's hard to say that I really enjoyed reading The Wolf Hunt. 'Enjoyed' doesn't seem very appropriate as a description but it would make a fantastic choice for a book club. There are so many layers to the story, and it brought up so many questions about racism, family dynamics and motherhood. It's a challenging read but I thought it was beautifully written/translated.

First published in Israel in 2021; published by Little, Brown and Company on August 15, 2023

Adam Schuster is a reserved, friendless boy who has been bullied at school. Although his mother is unaware of the extent of the bullying, her fear for Adam has been heightened by antisemitic graffiti and a recent shooting in a synagogue. She wants Adam to take a class in Krav Maga. While she thinks it would be beneficial for Adam to learn self-defense, she regards the lessons as less important than the benefit of socializing with other kids.

Adam’s mother is Leela, a version of her real name (Lilach) that is easier for Americans to pronounce. Adam’s father is Mikhael, although he goes by Michael. Leela and Michael were born in Israel but Michael’s employer, a military-industrial weapons designer, transferred him to the United States. Adam’s self-defense instructor is Uri. Like Michael, Uri served in the Israel Defense Force. Adam has heard rumors that Uri worked for Mossad.

Leela was defeated by the chase for academic credentials in Israel and welcomed the chance to be an unemployed housewife in America. Leela easily became the kind of woman she once detested, although she found a job organizing cultural activities at a retirement home so she could feel good about having a Latina cleaner instead of doing her own housework.

Leela and Michael grew used to the idea of raising Adam as an American. Leela thought it would be best for Adam because she loved Israel “the way a woman loves her abusive husband.” By the age of six, Adam didn’t want to speak Hebrew outside the home — he wanted to fit in — but his attitude changed at sixteen, when he started to study Krav Maga under Uri’s tutelage. His attitude about his primary tormenter, Jamal Jones, also changed. He talked to another kid about killing Jamal and had “disturbing searches” on his phone.

Adam attended a party with nearly everyone from his class. Jamal died at the party, apparently from a drug overdose. As the novel begins, the police suspect that Adam murdered him. Leela is certain that her son is a good boy, even as the evidence begins to suggest that he might be an antisocial nutcase. Whether Adam murdered Jamal is the question that supplies the novel’s dramatic tension.

When the police search Adam’s home, some members of the community regard him as a murderer. He deals with antisemitic graffiti at his school and vandalism of his home. Uri tries to help with security, but Leela is conflicted by her fear that Uri is a negative influence on Adam and her feelings of lust.

The story is told from Leela’s point of view. She has an understandable aversion to believing anything bad about her son, but she has apparently spent her life hiding from reality. In Israel, when she inadvertently clicked on a news channel that showed a Palestinian woman with a dead baby in her arms, Leela promptly turned on an episode of Friends, where Phoebe “appeared like a blond good fairy to take me away from there.”

As the novel progresses, Leela connects with Jamal’s mother (before Adam becomes a known suspect), learns a secret that Jamal concealed from his family, and wonders about Adam’s secrets. Because of her own unacknowledged prejudice, she blames the Nation of Islam for vandalizing her house. She likens a rock thrown through her window to an intifada. Because Jamal was Black, she begins to fear that every Black man she sees will seek revenge.

I suspect that the reader is not meant to like Leela. She has a sense of entitlement that combines with irrational anger to make her disagreeable. She thinks the worst of her husband and responds in kind. She once suffered a few days of paranoid delusion. Her therapist suggested that she feels like an outsider everywhere, not just in America. Perhaps Leela is suffering from a mental health condition. If so, she can’t be blamed for being unwell. While some readers might have sympathy for Leela, her emotional issues do not make her any more likable. I don’t believe interesting characters necessarily need to be likable, but many readers disagree.

The novel addresses familiar themes of persecution and discrimination from the unusual perspective of a woman caught between two worlds who might be a little bit crazy. I appreciated a brief but interesting discussion of whether money should supplant ideology — whether performance ratings should be more important than race and religion — or whether money is the most dangerous ideology because “it holds nothing sacred and allows you to do anything.”

Much of the story seems to plod along as a domestic drama that treats the central question — is Adam a murderer? — as secondary to all the other issues that provoke Leela’s anxiety. Yet a potential answer to that question, when it finally comes, is truly surprising. At the moment of its arrival, it becomes clear that the novel is a clever mystery. Jamal’s death is only part of a larger story that is carefully hidden until the story’s climax.

The reveal does not entirely resolve the mystery. Some readers might dislike the uncertainty, but in a novel told from a mother’s point of view, uncertainty might be more horrifying than knowledge of the truth. Until I reached the final page, I wasn’t quite sure whether I would recommend The Wolf Hunt, but the prose is graceful and, in the end, I appreciated the story’s ability to tantalize with so many unanswered questions.

RECOMMENDED

I would like to thank NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It’s available now in your local and online bookstores and libraries.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

The Shusters, Mikhael, Lilach, and Adam, are Israeli immigrants living in Silicon Valley. When there is an attack at a local synagogue, their sense of safety is shattered. Sixteen-year-old Adam enrolls in a self-defense class taught by a former Israeli Special Forces officer. For the first time, Adam has made friends and found his self-confidence. Then a Black boy from Adam’s class dies at a party from an apparent drug overdose. The police don’t think it was an accident, and they think Adam was involved.

I really liked this book, but it was hard to read at times. It’s a slow burn that covers tough subjects like race and privilege. I haven’t read many books from the perspective of first generation immigrants, and it was interesting reading their thoughts and reactions and noticing how they might differ from an American’s. I do need to give a content warning for animal abuse. I was not prepared. 😭

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

The Wolf Hunt starts with an interesting premise and unique perspective on anti-semitism in America and Israel. It touches upon many relatable and timely issues and brought me into the perspective of a Jewish mom fearful for her children from the very beginning of the book. However, I think it falters on making the most of the setting it’s placed in.

My biggest qualms are that this book doesn’t fit neatly into either a social commentary (too much superfluous information given) or a thriller (pacing is off) so I’m left at the end with two naive parents and no satisfying resolution. I’d have preferred it to be told from another perspective or for the father to have more advanced traits than he seems to display (lack of concern when any average parent would be very concerned). The motivations of both parents are unclear even as it’s written from the perspective of one of them.

I think with some more finessing this book could be great and I hope this author extends upon the foundation here in her next book. It’s also possible that there is some nuance and pacing of the original Hebrew lost in the English rendition.

Thought provoking and emotional this translated novel was captivating from the beginning. I was initially worried with the this being translated and sometimes things don’t come across as eloquently as the native language but this was beautiful done.

Not exactly my favorite kind of book but it was thrilling and educational.
I didn't really care for any of the characters and the parents were a little too naive in my opinion. What a great subject to touch on though! Never read anything like it.

I received a digital ARC from Little, Brown and Company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I am having a hard time summarizing this novel without giving spoilers. I will just say that it is a study of a family when tragedies happen in a community.. It is written from a mother’s point of view, and the writing pulled me right in. There are many topics discussed through this story. It is a story that will stay with me. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Wow! I have so many mixed feelings about this book. I am new to this author, but I now want to read more of her books. The Wolf Hunt has so many different issues going on, but it is basically about an Israeli immigrant family that moves to the Silicon Valley and become pawns in the death of a black teenager.

The story is told from the mother's point of view, and oh man, this book might really pull on a mother's heartstrings. Her son, Adam, is bullied by Jamal, and Jamal ends up dead at a teenage party. Throughout the book, the reader is trying to figure out who killed Jamal. There are different storylines throughout the book, and a major one surrounds a defense class, taught by Uri, a former Israeli Special Forces Officer, who Adam begins to worship. However, Adam's mom isn't convinced that Uri is a good person for Adam to be around.

At times, this translated novel made me very uncomfortable as it deals with antisemitism, racial issues, animal cruelty, and bullying. That's a lot to deal with in one book, and at times, made me very sad. However, it made me want to keep reading and learn more about the different characters.

I kept going back and forth between four or five stars for this book. I decided to go with five because it is a book that I will think about for awhile, even though it made me uncomfortable. I was given this book for my honest review.

I have never read anything by this author before and was looking forward to reading this as the synopsis looked very intriguing.

However, it fell flat for me. There was the plot about Adam and the murder of schoolmate Jamal…but another plot involving Uri and his self defense classes.

At times I felt this to be vulgar and comments just didn’t make sense. I just don’t think I would recommend this one.

Trigger warning: Racism, Abuse, Death

Ayelet Gundar-Goshen is a beautiful writer, so much so I want to check out more of her books. I was born and raised in one place and haven't ever had an immigrant experience but I could feel what it would be like belong nowhere. There was a line about the parents roots being in Israel making a bridge for their son in America and digging there hands in the soil for him to walk across. I just loved that explanation of being of two places.

A warning there are animals being hurt in this story and one scene in particular is devastating. If animal cruelty is a reason you won't read a book than this book is not for you. Also, much of the plot is left for the reader to decide in the end. I enjoy open ended stories that leave you to wonder what you think happened so I didn't mind that at all.

The Wolf Hunt by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen takes us on a suspenseful journey through the heart of Silicon Valley, a land of privilege and secrets. Lilach, an Israeli immigrant living a seemingly perfect life, is faced with the unthinkable when tragedy strikes close to home. Her son Adam's enrollment in a self-defense class after a harrowing attack brings him newfound confidence, but it also unravels a web of hidden connections. A tale of race, identity, and the hidden truths within families, Gundar-Goshen's signature storytelling prowess is poised to once again captivate readers.


Enjoyment ⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
Rating the enjoyment factor for this book proved challenging due to the weighty subject matter it addresses. On one hand, I found myself quite engaged and compelled to keep turning the pages. The mystery surrounding Jamal Jones's death, which is central to the story, had me hooked. Additionally, being familiar with the Silicon Valley setting added an extra layer of connection. However, certain scenes involving explicit content and the death of an animal did take away from the overall experience. The latter felt unnecessary, though this sentiment is not new – it's a sentiment I hold even for movies like John Wick! Stories involving animal death have always been a difficulty for me.


Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
The book's synopsis, along with its visually appealing cover, piqued my interest from the outset. For the most part, the plot aligned with my expectations set by the synopsis. The storyline maintained a solid and well-structured trajectory.


Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️
My feelings about the characters in "The Wolf Hunt" are relatively neutral. While I didn't form any particularly strong attachments to any character, I also didn't find any to be particularly dislikable. One notable achievement of the author was the portrayal of Uri, a character who manages to consistently evoke ambivalent emotions – oscillating between likability and suspicion.


Thought Provoking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
Comparatively recently, I immersed myself in Les Payne's biography "The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X" earlier this year, which deepened my understanding of Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam (NOI). Interestingly, aspects of the NOI featured in "The Wolf Hunt" would have previously evaded my comprehension. While certain aspects of the novel didn't resonate as strongly with me, the thought-provoking elements were by far my favorite part of the book.


Ease of Reading ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Navigating the text with my dyslexia posed no major challenges, warranting a perfect score in this regard.


World Building ⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
The world-building in "The Wolf Hunt" provided a backdrop that adequately set the stage for the narrative. Given my familiarity with the geographical region in which the story unfolds, it might have been easier for me to conjure up the setting. However, I emphasize that the story's core focus lies more in the character-driven content, particularly Lilach's perspective.


Writing ⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨


Ending ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The conclusion, while satisfying to a certain extent, left me yearning for more closure and resolution.


In conclusion, I recommend The Wolf Hunt, especially if you are seeking a serious contemporary novel that delves into issues of racism, anti-Semitism, and bullying. The book offers a thought-provoking exploration of these themes while offering a glimpse into the lives of its well-drawn characters.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Wolf Hunt.

I've never read anything by this author before so I was excited my request was approved.

The premise was interesting and I looked forward to reading it with an open mind.

Sadly, this was a disappointment for a number of reasons:

`1. The narrative. Is this about Adam and the death of his classmate, Jamal? Or is this about Uri, the dude offering self defense classes?

I don't think the author knew, either.

The narrative soon detoured from Lilach's growing suspicions her son had something to do with Jamal's death (did Adam kill him or not?) to all the time Uri was spending with Adam and Lilach's family and then something happens between Lilach and Ur (um...gross) and then we get corporate espionage?

What's going on here?

2. I didn't like anyone, especially Lilach. I couldn't stand her.

I didn't think it was a coincidence she's a woman with no ambition, no friends she can talk to or lean on for support, and no ties to the community. She's a one note character with no dimension or personality.

3. The writing was okay, but the lack of a strong story with interesting characters or unlikable characters with intriguing qualities made me this a very dull, and tedious read.

This was such an interesting read. Full of tension and suspense. This is a translated novel and I think it was well done except for a few times when it maybe seemed a bit clunky. That did not affect my enjoyment of this timely book. There are tough topics such as racial issues, hate crimes, antisemitism, and bullying. It was an emotional, and powerful read. Very thought provoking.

Lilach, her husband, and her son Adam are Israeli immigrants and living a beautiful and successful life in Silicon Valley. After a brutal attack on a synagogue they feel shaken and not as safe. Adam decides to take a self defense class with a former Israeli Special Forces officer to help him feel more confident and safe. Then an African American boy winds up dying from an apparent drug overdose at a party. Rumors start to circulation that Adam could've had something to do with his death and that there is a history between Adam and his friends, and this boy. Racial tension emerge in the community and Lilach begins to question everything she thought she knew about her son. Could he have had something to do with this boys death?!

Out August 15.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own. My review will be posted on Instagram, Bookbub, Goodreads, and Amazon once it publishes.

What an interesting, thought-provoking book that took me a bit outside my comfort zone. There are themes of immigration and racial tensions, bullying and antisemitism, as well as family and community dynamics.

We follow an Israeli family with a teenage son in Silicon Valley, whose lives are upturned after an attack on a nearby synagogue and later a Black teen dying of an overdose at a high school party. The two teenage boys seem to have a troubled history, but while Lilach doesn't want to believe her son could hurt anyone, she starts looking at his actions with uncertain suspicion. How much is her son capable of hiding from her? Can she trust the man now teaching her son self defense, who he clearly idolizes?

While there are some twists and turns, this is definitely more family drama and emotional suspense then thriller. The complicated feelings of Lilach were compelling, as she grieves the trouble her son is facing and questions her decisions. There were occasionally passages that felt awkward, which may have been in the translation, but overall I enjoyed the writing.

If you like your stories wrapped up neatly, you may be disappointed. We do get some things answered, but other information the author clearly wants you to sit with the discomfort of not knowing for sure.

Wow. What a unique read from Ayelet. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, in thanks to NetGalley and the publishing house for the ARC read!

To me this translated fiction covers a great deal of topics over a short span of time. Enjoyers of translated fiction, thrillers, mysteries, and psychology will love this book.

Heavy in exploration of antisemitism and racial and immigrant issues, Ayelet very successfully invites the reader along a thriller plot line that also explores the psychology of motherhood and parenting in modern day society.

The blunt language in which Ayelet chooses to communicate can sometimes be breath catching, particularly when discussing racial issues- but works in an incredibly thought provoking way.

At the end of the novel the reader is left wishing for more, with questions left seemingly unanswered- or are they? The Wolf Hunt is a fabulously challenging read which begs us to think about the challenges of motherhood, cultural influences, and raising children in the 21st century.

Huge praise to this magnificently done novel!