Ben Zakkai's Coffin

Harley L. Sachs
Zumaya Publications (2002)
ISBN 1894869206
Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (9/06)

From the very first paragraph,  it is clear that” Ben Zakkai’s Coffin” is one of those books which pulls you into the storyline by mixing interesting, realistic characters with a little suspense, a pinch of  romance, and of course, the murder of a mysterious, beautiful woman.  Add in a detective that is more persistent than a dog with a bone, and you have a book that holds the reader’s attention from the first page until the last. 
The storyline of “Ben Zakkai’s Coffin” is easy to follow.  Herman Bachrach, a seemingly simple photographer, becomes involved with Diana, a breathtakingly beautiful woman, only to find he is the prime suspect in her murder.  Confusion reigns in Herman’s life -  his religious identification, the relentless pursuit by detective Sheehan who is convinced Herman is hiding something;  and the demands by his boss Gabe Cohen to go to Switzerland and “finish” the job Diana began.  Everything becomes more convoluted as Herman discovers the real reason behind the trip and the mysterious package he is instructed to deliver. 

Cohen asks Herman to find Schtarker, and give the seemingly innocent bundle to him.  This seems simple enough, until Herman discovers Schtarker is a man with an unbelievable past. Herman is at once faced with the history of his people, as well as events so horrifying, that  Herman is hit full force with the importance of the package and the one word message he has delivered.  And if that isn’t enough to shake Herman’s soul to the core, the response he receives opens his eyes to his heritage,and who he is - all at the same time.

“Ben Zakkai’s Coffin” is a book that I truly enjoyed.  Though it is a mystery of sorts, it also is a book which dug deep into Herman’s character, opening his eyes to what the world had been, and at the same time, for what it is today for the Jewish people.  It is a book that leaves the reader satisfied that the mystery is solved, but also somewhat saddened when reminded of the past that caused this upheaval of Herman’s life in the first place.

I strongly recommend “Ben Zakkai’s Coffin” for readers of all ages.  Along with the requisite beautiful woman, it gives deep insight into human nature and Herman’s discovery of where he fits within the world around him.  And to me, what Herman learns at the bedside of Schtarker is enough to make even the most seasoned reader pause,  take stock of life, and wonder what mysteries may quietly lay hidden deep within others around them.

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