Checkpoint, the new sociopolitical suspense novel by Lisa Saffron, is the story of ordinary people living in a conflict zone, each struggling to make sense of a situation where it’s not clear who is the victim and who is the terrorist.

Oct. 2, 2002: The Shapiro family’s comfortable life in an Israeli suburb is shattered by a tragedy that sets each member on a journey of self-discovery. Ruth Shapiro is in a state of shock. Her son, Yigal, a corporal in the Israeli Defence Force, has been killed by Aisha, a suicide bomber. Ruth is further shaken with news that Yigal once shot a Palestinian child.

In the aftermath, the easy-going Yigal and the fiery Palestinian Aisha form an unexpected alliance in the Other World Checkpoint, a transitory stop in the afterlife, where they have no choice but to get to know each other.

Meanwhile Ruth reconnects with her estranged friend, Vivi, who passionately supports the Palestinian cause. David, Yigal’s father, deepens his relationship with zealous settlers in the occupied West Bank and Orli, Yigal’s younger sister, makes a decision about military service.

From the Other World Checkpoint, Yigal and Aisha observe the lives of those their actions have impacted. They look in on Aisha’s surviving family members, and Yigal meets the young boy he shot.

Four years after the explosion that ended their lives, Yigal and Aisha leave the Other World Checkpoint and are reborn.

Checkpoint is about the possibility of redemption. It is about a common humanity, the illusion of being on opposite sides and the need to take responsibility. “The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has never been more topical but the news is depressing,” Saffron writes. “People want to hear that a just peace is possible. I believe it is and the message in my novel is one of hope.”

“Lisa Saffron’s book is both moving and powerful. Human stories convey the horror and injustice better than factual books about the Palestinian tragedy.” Tony Benn, British Labour politician

“It is a very brave and an important book, and an uncompromising one. It is guaranteed to make you think. It may well make you cry. It might even change your mind.” Sheila Yeger, playwright and novelist

Lisa Saffron lives in Bristol. She grew up in the United States in a non-religious, Zionist-sympathising Jewish family. She moved to England in her twenties where she raised her family and worked in parenting support, health research and women’s health information. She is a member of ICAHD-UK, a supporter of Jews for Justice for the Palestinians, belongs to a liberal-progressive synagogue and hosts a weekly programme on Radio Salaam Shalom, an internet radio station promoting Jewish-Muslim dialogue.

Saffron traveled to Israel and the Occupied Territories several times since her first visit in 1968. Her latest trips with Experience Travel Tours in 2002 and with the Compassionate Listening delegation in 2005 were the inspiration for Checkpoint, her first novel. She has published non-fiction books and an autobiographical article, “The Mezuzah”, in For Generations: Jewish Motherhood, edited by Mandy Ross and Ronne Randall, Five Leaves Publications, 2005.

Published February 2008 by AuthorHouse.
ISBN 9781434354921
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