The Clay Urn: A debut novella by Paul Rabinowitz
Posted: Fri May 15, 2020 2:09 pm
The Clay Urn is a gripping story of love, humanity, trauma and recovery set in amidst war-torn landscape.
The Clay Urn follows the story of Ari and Ilana—two Israeli soldiers in the 1980s—as they grapple with their ideologies on the war against the Intifada and dream of what life could offer outside a world where war is fuelled by bloodlines.
SYNOPSIS
Ari grew up trying to fill the void his father had left behind after being killed in combat. Ari was given the option to serve within the comfort of a desk job, but instead chose to fight on the front lines. Ilana, artistic and intuitive, is a counsellor in the army who often dreams of what life could offer beyond a place where fighting is fuelled by bloodlines.
During her service, Ilana is continuously troubled by the mental toll the war takes on both the agitated men she sees returning from combat zones, and the families and civilians caught in the middle. For Ari, serving in the army acts as a trigger, causing him to relive moments with his father—both good and bad. As his duties heighten, he turns to Ilana for counsel.
When Ilana’s service ends, she leaves for New York City, needing to put space between her and the conflict, even if that means leaving her relationship with Ari behind. For Ari, the separation causes him to retreat emotionally and leaves him desperate for any kind of support system. When a mission he leads ends in bloodshed, Ari craves a nurturing touch.
When Ilana eventually returns home to Israel, she and Ari find each other in different states. As the two of them struggle to reconnect, they are thrust into the mercy of the war, leaving their lives completely shattered in the wake of the violence.
The Clay Urn explores themes of humanity, war, trauma, and recovery.
PRAISE
https://www.paulrabinowitz.com/books
The Clay Urn follows the story of Ari and Ilana—two Israeli soldiers in the 1980s—as they grapple with their ideologies on the war against the Intifada and dream of what life could offer outside a world where war is fuelled by bloodlines.
SYNOPSIS
Ari grew up trying to fill the void his father had left behind after being killed in combat. Ari was given the option to serve within the comfort of a desk job, but instead chose to fight on the front lines. Ilana, artistic and intuitive, is a counsellor in the army who often dreams of what life could offer beyond a place where fighting is fuelled by bloodlines.
During her service, Ilana is continuously troubled by the mental toll the war takes on both the agitated men she sees returning from combat zones, and the families and civilians caught in the middle. For Ari, serving in the army acts as a trigger, causing him to relive moments with his father—both good and bad. As his duties heighten, he turns to Ilana for counsel.
When Ilana’s service ends, she leaves for New York City, needing to put space between her and the conflict, even if that means leaving her relationship with Ari behind. For Ari, the separation causes him to retreat emotionally and leaves him desperate for any kind of support system. When a mission he leads ends in bloodshed, Ari craves a nurturing touch.
When Ilana eventually returns home to Israel, she and Ari find each other in different states. As the two of them struggle to reconnect, they are thrust into the mercy of the war, leaving their lives completely shattered in the wake of the violence.
The Clay Urn explores themes of humanity, war, trauma, and recovery.
PRAISE
The Clay Urn is a moving portrait of life in the midst of war. Poetic and visceral with striking moments of magical realism, it’s a powerful and timeless story that touches audiences with its humanity and connection.
- J Smith
MORE INFO and PURCHASEThis is a necessary story to hold close for a lifetime. The tension is breathtaking. The relationships and experiences fill me with gratitude and a shared understanding of love, loss and resiliency, of making sense of the senseless. The moment you reach the end, you’ll want to start from the beginning again. And again. We will turn to The Clay Urn often for mercy and grace – just as with an old friend.
- L McEniry
https://www.paulrabinowitz.com/books