What do you think?
Rate this book
Anat Nahmias #1
Asylum City
In this edgy thriller from the author of the #1 Israeli bestseller Lineup, which was described by Joseph Finder as ‘a marvel of tight plotting, spare prose, and relentless pacing’, a young police officer’s investigation of a murder plunges her into the dark underworld of Tel Aviv.
When social activist Michal Poleg is found dead in her Tel Aviv apartment, her body showing signs of severe violence, officer Anat Nachmias is given the lead on her first murder investigation. Eager to find answers, the talented and sensitive cop looks to the victim’s past for clues, focusing on the last days before her death. Could one of the asylum-seekers Michal worked with be behind this crime?
Then a young African man confesses to the murder, and Anat’s commanders say the case is closed. But the cop isn’t convinced. She believes that Michal, a tiny girl with a gift for irritating people, got involved in something far too big and dangerous for her to handle.
Joined by Michal’s clumsy yet charming boss, Anat is pulled deep into a perplexing shadow world where war victims and criminals, angels and demons, idealists and cynics, aid organisations and criminal syndicates intersect. But the truth may be more than Anat can manage, bringing her face to face with an evil she’s never before experienced.
When social activist Michal Poleg is found dead in her Tel Aviv apartment, her body showing signs of severe violence, officer Anat Nachmias is given the lead on her first murder investigation. Eager to find answers, the talented and sensitive cop looks to the victim’s past for clues, focusing on the last days before her death. Could one of the asylum-seekers Michal worked with be behind this crime?
Then a young African man confesses to the murder, and Anat’s commanders say the case is closed. But the cop isn’t convinced. She believes that Michal, a tiny girl with a gift for irritating people, got involved in something far too big and dangerous for her to handle.
Joined by Michal’s clumsy yet charming boss, Anat is pulled deep into a perplexing shadow world where war victims and criminals, angels and demons, idealists and cynics, aid organisations and criminal syndicates intersect. But the truth may be more than Anat can manage, bringing her face to face with an evil she’s never before experienced.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
32 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
About the author
Liad Shoham
36 books23 followersLiad Shoham (Hebrew: ליעד שהם) is an Israeli writer and lawyer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 31, 2015
By sheer coincidence, I was pitched this book about the Eritrean and Ethiopian refugee crisis in Tel Aviv, having been absolutely oblivious to this sensitive social issue. In an interesting instance of art imitating life, I encountered an in-depth newspaper feature within days of starting this book, focussing on this very issue, and the depth of feeling within Israel on this emotive and opinion-splitting aspect of contemporary Israeli society. Likewise, in the author’s acknowledgements, Shoham undertook an enormous amount of research into the social, political and economic aspects of the refugee experience, and those that work so tirelessly on their behalf, with little funding or support from the government. Hence, this proved one of the most thought-provoking and deeply poignant crime novels that I have ever read, being so rooted in reality.
The author’s depth of research comes shining through and Shoham neatly balances all sides of this multi-faceted thriller, both in terms of the contentious central social issue, and in providing an intriguing criminal investigation. Whilst Shoham does not adopt a completely dispassionate tone to the larger issues of the book, there is an incredible sense of authorial balance to the story he presents, as he encapsulates the experiences of all sides through the characters he presents. Hence, we as readers, see the unfolding events through the eyes of the refugees, those that work with them, and the police, whilst also incorporating the less than noble actions of the people smugglers and the Israeli political fraternity. Shoham interweaves all these aspects effortlessly, never resorting to mawkish sentimentality, or adopting a preachy tone as to how we should view the issues he presents. With his rounded view, the reader is encouraged to form their viewpoint, and to gain a greater sense of where their empathies lie, in relation to the characters and the problems they find themselves confronted with.
I found myself quite emotionally spent at times, particularly through certain characters in the book. I thought the characterisation of the Eritrean refugee, Gabriel, who confesses to the murder in a pay-off to ensure the safe passage of his abused sister from some ruthless Bedouin people smugglers, was incredibly emotive. With his artistic bent, and strong moral decency, his plight was incredibly affecting. Likewise, the endeavours of others to protect him, most notably the charity worker, Itai, and police detective, Anat, added a real depth to the plot. The problems that Itai faces as a NGO worker, dealing with the well-being of refugees, and Anat, as a female police officer in charage of her first big case, allows Shoham to embrace the larger issues of racism and sexism at play in their everyday working lives. Both characters are written extremely sensitively, and their faltering attempts to gain justice for Gabriel, whilst negotiating the insidious political powers that be is powerfully wrought throughout. I liked all three of these characters enormously, and admired their moral core and interactions with each other, more and more as the plot progressed.
I have a strong belief that if you want to really gain insight into the way any society functions, crime fiction is the perfect conduit for this, and books such as Asylum City only strengthen this belief for me. With its unwavering critique and observation of society in Tel Aviv and the burgeoning refugee crisis, compounded by a striking and deeply involving murder investigation, Shoham balances every facet of his narrative effortlessly. I cannot recommend this thriller highly enough if you enjoy your crime fiction with a more socially aware edge, as well as adhering to its central tenet of being a highly effective thriller, setting it apart from the more throwaway mass market crime fiction. Excellent.
The author’s depth of research comes shining through and Shoham neatly balances all sides of this multi-faceted thriller, both in terms of the contentious central social issue, and in providing an intriguing criminal investigation. Whilst Shoham does not adopt a completely dispassionate tone to the larger issues of the book, there is an incredible sense of authorial balance to the story he presents, as he encapsulates the experiences of all sides through the characters he presents. Hence, we as readers, see the unfolding events through the eyes of the refugees, those that work with them, and the police, whilst also incorporating the less than noble actions of the people smugglers and the Israeli political fraternity. Shoham interweaves all these aspects effortlessly, never resorting to mawkish sentimentality, or adopting a preachy tone as to how we should view the issues he presents. With his rounded view, the reader is encouraged to form their viewpoint, and to gain a greater sense of where their empathies lie, in relation to the characters and the problems they find themselves confronted with.
I found myself quite emotionally spent at times, particularly through certain characters in the book. I thought the characterisation of the Eritrean refugee, Gabriel, who confesses to the murder in a pay-off to ensure the safe passage of his abused sister from some ruthless Bedouin people smugglers, was incredibly emotive. With his artistic bent, and strong moral decency, his plight was incredibly affecting. Likewise, the endeavours of others to protect him, most notably the charity worker, Itai, and police detective, Anat, added a real depth to the plot. The problems that Itai faces as a NGO worker, dealing with the well-being of refugees, and Anat, as a female police officer in charage of her first big case, allows Shoham to embrace the larger issues of racism and sexism at play in their everyday working lives. Both characters are written extremely sensitively, and their faltering attempts to gain justice for Gabriel, whilst negotiating the insidious political powers that be is powerfully wrought throughout. I liked all three of these characters enormously, and admired their moral core and interactions with each other, more and more as the plot progressed.
I have a strong belief that if you want to really gain insight into the way any society functions, crime fiction is the perfect conduit for this, and books such as Asylum City only strengthen this belief for me. With its unwavering critique and observation of society in Tel Aviv and the burgeoning refugee crisis, compounded by a striking and deeply involving murder investigation, Shoham balances every facet of his narrative effortlessly. I cannot recommend this thriller highly enough if you enjoy your crime fiction with a more socially aware edge, as well as adhering to its central tenet of being a highly effective thriller, setting it apart from the more throwaway mass market crime fiction. Excellent.
April 2, 2015
The goals we set for ourselves are sometimes met in unusual ways.Sometimes the goals are accomplished after a person's death.
Michal Poleg is a young social activist in Tel Aviv. She believes in helping the downtrodden with her whole being. She's active in an organization that helps refugees and asylum seekers in Israel.
Michal has pursued a number of people who were taking advantage of the refugees so passionately that someone struck back and she was found dead in her Tel Aviv apartment.
Officer Anat Nachmias is given the lead in the investigation. It's her first murder case and she's trying to become a success in a man's world of police activity. She looks into Michal's past for answers.
She's clever and compassionate and looking into Michal's relationship with some of the refugees to see if there could be a connection to her murder.Then, a young African man confesses. Is this the end of the investigation?
Michal's boss, Itari Fisher begins the story agreeing to go on a date. His Jewish mother and good friend arrange it. Then he hears of Michal's murder and of the confession by the young African man both he and Michal were trying to help and he thinks there must be more to it. As his investigation soon he begins to work with Anal.
Liad Shoham is Israel's leading crime writer and is a practicing attorney. He paints a picture of a criminal world making money from the refugees - many of whom are from Eritrea where they left their country due to fear of mandatory conscription and for the women, forcible rape.
It is easy for the reader to compare the plight of the emigrants to the United States and to view those fleeing Africa daily.
The novel reads as fiction but is so real that it could be taken from behind the headlines. There are a number of red herrings and eventually a confrontation that would have satisfied Michal if she wasn't killed.
The story is magnetic and recommended for mystery fans and those believing in justice.
Michal Poleg is a young social activist in Tel Aviv. She believes in helping the downtrodden with her whole being. She's active in an organization that helps refugees and asylum seekers in Israel.
Michal has pursued a number of people who were taking advantage of the refugees so passionately that someone struck back and she was found dead in her Tel Aviv apartment.
Officer Anat Nachmias is given the lead in the investigation. It's her first murder case and she's trying to become a success in a man's world of police activity. She looks into Michal's past for answers.
She's clever and compassionate and looking into Michal's relationship with some of the refugees to see if there could be a connection to her murder.Then, a young African man confesses. Is this the end of the investigation?
Michal's boss, Itari Fisher begins the story agreeing to go on a date. His Jewish mother and good friend arrange it. Then he hears of Michal's murder and of the confession by the young African man both he and Michal were trying to help and he thinks there must be more to it. As his investigation soon he begins to work with Anal.
Liad Shoham is Israel's leading crime writer and is a practicing attorney. He paints a picture of a criminal world making money from the refugees - many of whom are from Eritrea where they left their country due to fear of mandatory conscription and for the women, forcible rape.
It is easy for the reader to compare the plight of the emigrants to the United States and to view those fleeing Africa daily.
The novel reads as fiction but is so real that it could be taken from behind the headlines. There are a number of red herrings and eventually a confrontation that would have satisfied Michal if she wasn't killed.
The story is magnetic and recommended for mystery fans and those believing in justice.
February 5, 2019
An Israeli author and setting of Tel Aviv, sadly same problems everywhere - refugees experiencing racism and rejection. African ones no less. Too familiar to readers in Melbourne at present. The plot is based in the murder of an Israeli welfare worker. Detective Anat Nachmias is on the case. It's a very convoluted story as all the complexities of refugees, corruption, government priorities , the justice system and violence against women play out. Well written with an effective dramatic focus on Anat and other players involved.
September 5, 2023
כשהתחלתי לשמוע את הספר הזה כמעט הפסקתי, היה נשמע לי שזה הולך להיות ספר עם אגנדה מאוד מסוימת ולא התחשק לי לקבל שטיפת מוח, אבל נתתי עוד הזדמנות ווואו. קודם כל הכתיבה שלו כרגיל מעולה, התוכן מרתק והדמויות מורכבות ומעניינות. אבל מעבר לזה הוא הצליח להציג נושא טעון ומורכב בצורות שונות, הוא מצליח להראות לקורא ששום דבר לא שחור ולבן. החיים מורכבים ממלא צבעים וזה מאוד ניכר בספר הזה. אהבתי ממש.
June 29, 2015
באופן מפתיע ליעד שהם כתב ספר מתח טוב, רלוונטי לתקופה ולנושאים שמעסיקים את הציבור. לא הצלחתי לגלות מי הרוצח והופתעתי :-)
הקשבתי ליובל בן עמי מקריא וזה תענוג להקשיב לו אחד הקריינים הנפלאים של icast והוא תורם המון להנאה מהספר.
הקשבתי ליובל בן עמי מקריא וזה תענוג להקשיב לו אחד הקריינים הנפלאים של icast והוא תורם המון להנאה מהספר.
September 15, 2018
ספר מתח טוב, עם דמויות אמינות ועלילה זורמת.
May 9, 2015
This is an Israeli crime novel from Liad Shoham, translated from the original Hebrew by Sara Kitai. Here's the scenario: at any given time there are tens of thousands of "asylum seekers" in Tel Aviv from the northeast African nation of Eritrea. They can't be sent home because the regime there is so brutal that they would be killed the minute they set foot back in their homeland. And so the Israeli government, the migrant aid organizations, and the legal community are all involved in a convoluted, slow-motion dance to keep these refugees off the streets as much as possible, fed and sheltered, and then sent to another country whenever practical. So when an ardent young activist working with the city's Office of Migrant Aid is found murdered in her own apartment, attention is focused first on an African immigrant, then a state attorney, and then finally organized crime. And since her boss is out of the country and then breaks his leg, the case is reluctantly given to petite Investigator Anat Nachmias in her first murder investigation. This is Author Shoham's tenth novel, although only the second to be translated into English (Lineup was the first), and he does a superb job of keeping the action moving. He generally writes in short sentences and uses short chapters, usually two or three pages on average, although both the sentences and the chapters get shorter as the story progresses and the action comes to a head. All of the characters are very believable, especially Anat, who goes through so much to get to the bottom of this crime. Don't miss this one!
July 25, 2015
A common misperception about Israel is that its population is mostly white Sabras (Israeli-born) or Russian or middle European immigrants. But nothing could be further from the truth. There is, of course, a substantial percentage of Arabs. And there is a sizable number of Black Africans. That is the basis for this novel, which presents a graphic picture of the African refugee influx seeking asylum in the Middle Eastern nation.
At the same time the plot centers on the murder of Michal Poleg, a volunteer aid worker whose death gives rise to a murder investigation led by Inspector Anat Nachmias, who is confronted by a dilemma: An Eritrean asylum-seeker has confessed to the murder, but she is unconvinced of his guilt. It is up to her to unravel his reasons for the confession since her higher-ups are gleeful to have a suspect in hand.
And thereby hangs a tale told by Israel’s leading crime writer, who is a practicing attorney. The story progresses naturally, as the investigation unfolds. Basically, this is a police procedural, but the plight of the refugees is told with startling clarity adding a true-life picture of how they fare once they cross the border and get to Tel Aviv. The only criticism this reader can offer is that the conclusion comes from left field, with no prior basis or previous clues to support it. Nevertheless, it is a tale well told, and is recommended.
At the same time the plot centers on the murder of Michal Poleg, a volunteer aid worker whose death gives rise to a murder investigation led by Inspector Anat Nachmias, who is confronted by a dilemma: An Eritrean asylum-seeker has confessed to the murder, but she is unconvinced of his guilt. It is up to her to unravel his reasons for the confession since her higher-ups are gleeful to have a suspect in hand.
And thereby hangs a tale told by Israel’s leading crime writer, who is a practicing attorney. The story progresses naturally, as the investigation unfolds. Basically, this is a police procedural, but the plight of the refugees is told with startling clarity adding a true-life picture of how they fare once they cross the border and get to Tel Aviv. The only criticism this reader can offer is that the conclusion comes from left field, with no prior basis or previous clues to support it. Nevertheless, it is a tale well told, and is recommended.
December 5, 2014
Asylum City by Liad Shoham
This is a novel set in Israel written by an Israeli. It deals with Israel's immigrant issues while purported to be a crime novel.
The news article noted in the web site link gives a good overview of the author. The story is different in that translated to English you find similarities and differences between an American author and an Israeli author. The way crime is handled and the justice system is similar but different.
The political aspects of crime bear a striking similarity to any big U.S. city. The emotions and motivations of the characters are mirrored in our own populace. It is interesting to see how basic motivations differ so minutely regardless of culture and language.
The immigrant problem is Israel appears to be as fraught with dissent and emotion as the same problem in the U.S.
This was a very thought provoking book.
Web Site: http://www.timesofisrael.com/the-invi...
This is a novel set in Israel written by an Israeli. It deals with Israel's immigrant issues while purported to be a crime novel.
The news article noted in the web site link gives a good overview of the author. The story is different in that translated to English you find similarities and differences between an American author and an Israeli author. The way crime is handled and the justice system is similar but different.
The political aspects of crime bear a striking similarity to any big U.S. city. The emotions and motivations of the characters are mirrored in our own populace. It is interesting to see how basic motivations differ so minutely regardless of culture and language.
The immigrant problem is Israel appears to be as fraught with dissent and emotion as the same problem in the U.S.
This was a very thought provoking book.
Web Site: http://www.timesofisrael.com/the-invi...
June 11, 2020
So many characters in the first 30-40 or so pages it was hard to understand who was who. It became quite confusing.
January 13, 2021
I don't know why I started reading this at this time. It was possibly a mistake, but I was looking for something different and this has spent a lengthy amount of time on my shelf so it was time to give it a read.
I'm not sure how to rate/review this book. It was an interesting political novel? Because while it's a murder and probably a mystery, but maybe a thriller-without-being-thrilling, the overarching theme is all about politics. Beyond that, while it's an interesting story, I felt like much of it was glossed over - the victim becomes a paper cutout with living characters projecting their thoughts about her onto her memory, but it has no depth. The characters involved are similarly lacking in development for me with several just existing as a barely sketched out placeholder for that role which was a little disappointing.
But this is my first read set in Isreal (Tel Aviv) and I found it interesting from that point of view. The novel did try to dig into the thoughts and feelings of average citizens about the flood of refugees hitting the border and how that affects them and the issues created by the situation.
I'm not sure how to rate/review this book. It was an interesting political novel? Because while it's a murder and probably a mystery, but maybe a thriller-without-being-thrilling, the overarching theme is all about politics. Beyond that, while it's an interesting story, I felt like much of it was glossed over - the victim becomes a paper cutout with living characters projecting their thoughts about her onto her memory, but it has no depth. The characters involved are similarly lacking in development for me with several just existing as a barely sketched out placeholder for that role which was a little disappointing.
But this is my first read set in Isreal (Tel Aviv) and I found it interesting from that point of view. The novel did try to dig into the thoughts and feelings of average citizens about the flood of refugees hitting the border and how that affects them and the issues created by the situation.
May 16, 2020
מעטים הם הסופרים הישראליים שאני אוהב,
ועכשיו, כנראה שליעד שהם הוא עוד אחד
מהם.
הוא מצליח ליצור, לרוב, דמויות מספיק עמוקות
ומספיק אמינות שקל מאוד להתחבר אליהן, לחוש
ולחוות איתן את התלאות לאורך הספר.
ניכר שהסופר עושה תחקירים ממש טובים על
הנושא המדובר והסביבה בה הדמויות חיות.
שכן, מיד עוד ממש בתחילת הסיפור, וכן לאורך
הספר כולו, מרגישים, חווים ו-"טועמים" את
הסביבה כך שקל מאוד להתחבר עם הסיפור.
עוד דבר טוב אצלו זה שהוא מצליח ליצור את
העולם הסינמטי שלו בקלות, בפשטות ובצורה
טובה להפליא. מי שקרא ספרים קודמים שלו,
יכול לצלול בקלות לעולם זה כאילו שהוא מבקר
חוזר. וזאת, מכיוון שדמויות שהיו מרכזיות
בספרים אחרים משתלבות נהדר בספר זה
כדמויות משניות.
ועכשיו, כנראה שליעד שהם הוא עוד אחד
מהם.
הוא מצליח ליצור, לרוב, דמויות מספיק עמוקות
ומספיק אמינות שקל מאוד להתחבר אליהן, לחוש
ולחוות איתן את התלאות לאורך הספר.
ניכר שהסופר עושה תחקירים ממש טובים על
הנושא המדובר והסביבה בה הדמויות חיות.
שכן, מיד עוד ממש בתחילת הסיפור, וכן לאורך
הספר כולו, מרגישים, חווים ו-"טועמים" את
הסביבה כך שקל מאוד להתחבר עם הסיפור.
עוד דבר טוב אצלו זה שהוא מצליח ליצור את
העולם הסינמטי שלו בקלות, בפשטות ובצורה
טובה להפליא. מי שקרא ספרים קודמים שלו,
יכול לצלול בקלות לעולם זה כאילו שהוא מבקר
חוזר. וזאת, מכיוון שדמויות שהיו מרכזיות
בספרים אחרים משתלבות נהדר בספר זה
כדמויות משניות.
June 6, 2020
The action and pace of this book was excellent, and a really captivating story. As a jewish American it was an interesting look inside Israel and the asylum situation going on in the country. But as a whole, this book was almost laborious to read. There seemed to be tons of characters and their connection to each other seemed a little disjointed. I loved all of the descriptions of the places in which the novel took place. I appreciated the picture the artist painted for me as a reader. All in all I wasn’t crazy about Asylum City, but I definitely didn’t hate it.
September 20, 2018
Thriller sur fond d'immigration dans le quartier où je vis à Tel-Aviv. C'est la raison pour laquelle j'avais choisi de lire ce livre. J'ai essayé, encore et encore, mais l'histoire ne prend pas, je n'arrive pas à accrocher. J'abandonne.
May 3, 2019
I really wanted to like this book, but couldn't take all the cliches in the writing. One or two cliches every now and then is okay, but I counted 10 on one page alone. Maybe that is the translator's fault. Couldn't get past page 50.
May 4, 2021
Surprisingly good and very interesting insight into the troubling lives of refugees from Eritrea and Ethiopia.
The Danish translation of the book was not particularly good tho, so do go for a different version, if your mother tongue is the same as mine.
The Danish translation of the book was not particularly good tho, so do go for a different version, if your mother tongue is the same as mine.
July 10, 2017
ספר מתח מעולה עם עלילה מרתקת. כל הכבוד לליעד שהם על העלאת המודעות לחייהם של הפליטים בדרום ת"א. גם נהניתי לקרוא וגם השכלתי.
July 31, 2017
Je n'ai aimé ni l'enquête ni les personnages. Le fond géopolitique rend tout de même le livre intéressant.
August 27, 2023
First time
First time reading this author. Good characters. Good plot and twists. Will check out his other works for my next read.
First time reading this author. Good characters. Good plot and twists. Will check out his other works for my next read.
February 2, 2025
I think this book holds my record for time between adding to wishlist (Dec. 2014) and reading. It was a good mystery, although the social issues it raises feel less relevant in the Israel of 2025.
January 21, 2015
Review originally posted on Reading Lark: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2015/...
3.5 stars
At the opening of Asylum City, we meet Michal, a young activist who is passionate about the plight of African asylum-seekers in Israel. So passionate, in fact, that even other activists find her a little on the extreme side. Michal believes she has discovered some important information about someone involved with the refugee community, and before she can tell anyone, she is murdered in her own apartment. Anat Nachmias, the detective assigned to the case, needs this investigation to go well in the face of open sexism in the Tel Aviv police force. Despite the voluntary confession of Gabriel, an Eritrean refugee, Anat doesn’t believe that he is guilty, and the more she investigates the more she becomes trapped between the world of police bureaucracy and policy and the shadow world of the asylum seekers.
I enjoy reading books by international authors. I’m always curious about the ways in which their nationality and experiences inform their writing. So, when I got the chance to read and review Liad Shoham’s novel Asylum City, I jumped at it. Throughout the novel, Shoham pulls back the curtain on the troubles of African refugees in Israel, and the problems that both the Africans and Israelis experience when asylum seekers migrate to Israel. These difficulties, on both sides, will resonate with readers in any country that has significant immigration: human rights issues, national security issues, public policy issues.
Another prominent cultural element is the closeness of Israeli society. As Shoham noted in an article on The Times of Israel website, the family and the family’s opinions are central to Israeli culture. “I am filled with envy every time I read books in which the author did not dedicate whole chapters to what the main characters’ families think. In Israel, the family has such an important role that it is difficult to see how credible characters can be created without getting into the details and about all their relatives.” (http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/its-no..., accessed 9 December 2014) As an American reader, the bits where characters are dealing with relatives felt a bit overblown to me at first, but as I got used to it, I had a greater feeling for the society the characters live in.
The story itself was straightforward, despite the rotating third person point of view. Being in the heads of so many different characters could have been confusing, but Shoham managed it well giving each character his or her own internal voice. I particularly enjoyed being in the head of several of the minor characters. Shimon Faro, a crime boss, feels himself a misunderstood businessman and dwells frequently on what he would say in the magazine interviews he will never be able to give about his wide-ranging illegal enterprise. He is also endearingly wary of killing people for a crime lord.
The one thing that bothers me about the novel is that I wanted the main characters to be in more obvious peril. There wasn’t a time when I felt like Anat and Itai were in real danger. They were definitely working against a clock, but they themselves were never really at risk in any situation. This being an Israeli novel, however, I don’t know if that is just an American crime story convention that Shoham chose to avoid or not.
I also wanted a bit more from the main characters. This may be the downside of switching viewpoint so frequently, but I wanted more depth from Anat and Itai. It sometimes felt like the minor characters were a little more developed in terms of personalities that the two lead characters. What motivated Anat and Itai to choose the different paths in life they chose? What odd personality traits or quirks do they have?
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in political refugees, Israel, illegal immigration issues, as well as those who like crime novels. There is a smattering of f-bombs and a few disturbing scenes involving the women refugees, so be aware if you are particularly sensitive or are giving the book to someone younger than about 16.
3.5 stars
At the opening of Asylum City, we meet Michal, a young activist who is passionate about the plight of African asylum-seekers in Israel. So passionate, in fact, that even other activists find her a little on the extreme side. Michal believes she has discovered some important information about someone involved with the refugee community, and before she can tell anyone, she is murdered in her own apartment. Anat Nachmias, the detective assigned to the case, needs this investigation to go well in the face of open sexism in the Tel Aviv police force. Despite the voluntary confession of Gabriel, an Eritrean refugee, Anat doesn’t believe that he is guilty, and the more she investigates the more she becomes trapped between the world of police bureaucracy and policy and the shadow world of the asylum seekers.
I enjoy reading books by international authors. I’m always curious about the ways in which their nationality and experiences inform their writing. So, when I got the chance to read and review Liad Shoham’s novel Asylum City, I jumped at it. Throughout the novel, Shoham pulls back the curtain on the troubles of African refugees in Israel, and the problems that both the Africans and Israelis experience when asylum seekers migrate to Israel. These difficulties, on both sides, will resonate with readers in any country that has significant immigration: human rights issues, national security issues, public policy issues.
Another prominent cultural element is the closeness of Israeli society. As Shoham noted in an article on The Times of Israel website, the family and the family’s opinions are central to Israeli culture. “I am filled with envy every time I read books in which the author did not dedicate whole chapters to what the main characters’ families think. In Israel, the family has such an important role that it is difficult to see how credible characters can be created without getting into the details and about all their relatives.” (http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/its-no..., accessed 9 December 2014) As an American reader, the bits where characters are dealing with relatives felt a bit overblown to me at first, but as I got used to it, I had a greater feeling for the society the characters live in.
The story itself was straightforward, despite the rotating third person point of view. Being in the heads of so many different characters could have been confusing, but Shoham managed it well giving each character his or her own internal voice. I particularly enjoyed being in the head of several of the minor characters. Shimon Faro, a crime boss, feels himself a misunderstood businessman and dwells frequently on what he would say in the magazine interviews he will never be able to give about his wide-ranging illegal enterprise. He is also endearingly wary of killing people for a crime lord.
The one thing that bothers me about the novel is that I wanted the main characters to be in more obvious peril. There wasn’t a time when I felt like Anat and Itai were in real danger. They were definitely working against a clock, but they themselves were never really at risk in any situation. This being an Israeli novel, however, I don’t know if that is just an American crime story convention that Shoham chose to avoid or not.
I also wanted a bit more from the main characters. This may be the downside of switching viewpoint so frequently, but I wanted more depth from Anat and Itai. It sometimes felt like the minor characters were a little more developed in terms of personalities that the two lead characters. What motivated Anat and Itai to choose the different paths in life they chose? What odd personality traits or quirks do they have?
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in political refugees, Israel, illegal immigration issues, as well as those who like crime novels. There is a smattering of f-bombs and a few disturbing scenes involving the women refugees, so be aware if you are particularly sensitive or are giving the book to someone younger than about 16.
February 20, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/as...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro
In Asylum City, Israeli author Liad Shoham, describes to the reader more than a simple homicide case. Asylum City deals with the problems and issues that both Israelis and refugees face in their everyday lives trying to survive, in a changing society, as citizens and migrants. This is where OMA (Organization for Migrant Aid) director Itai fisher and volunteer Michal Poleg come in and help the African asylum seekers construct a better life.
Helping the asylum seekers is not an easy job, especially if you get too involved. Michal learns this, the hard way, after discovering an illegal organization that benefits itself from the refugees. Her death seems like a simple case to solve, but as the story progresses, we find out that there’s more to it than it looks like. She was a character I immediately related to, and could understand, being a volunteer myself. Though her death occurs at the beginning of the book, her presence is always present throughout the story helping it develop. She was a character I would have liked to know more of; read about her strong personality, helping Itai at OMA, how she acted with the refugees.
Then we have, Itai Fisher, a character equally willing to help whoever needs it. In this case, Gabriel Takela, an Eritrean refugee who confesses to Michal’s murder in order to help his sister. On one hand, we have an Israeli sacrificing himself to help the asylum seekers that can’t fully come to trust OMA or the Israelis; and, on the other hand, an Eritrean not thinking twice to sacrifice himself for the only person he might have left in the world. We see the struggles they have to face to fulfil their goals, and in the same way amend past actions.
Anat Nachmias, is the policewoman in charge, and heroine of the story. I liked a comment made by the author, in which he mentions how, while researching for the book, he came to realize that it would be a woman taking the role of hero. And, it actually fits the book, because I think only Anat could have the sensibility to understand Michal, Gabriel, and Itai, and not let anyone interfere with the case. She was a character to look forward to.
Asylum City is a book that shows the points of views of characters in different situations that come in full circle at the end within a government and society which is described as those who want to help and those who want to hurt. I liked how the author gave every character a role to play. I would have never suspected the killer to be that particular person. Several times I changed my mind of whom to suspect of; the banker, Yariv, Michal’s family, even Yariv’s girlfriend at some point. A mystery well written.
I will remember Asylum City’s story from now on. It’s a book that opens the reader’s mind into seeing the danger that exists for refugees not only in Africa, but in different parts of the world, ‘til this day, that seek asylum and a way for a better life. I recommend you read Asylum City if mystery is your genre, there is so much of this book one could discuss.
*OBS would like to thank the author and TLC Book Tours for providing a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro
In Asylum City, Israeli author Liad Shoham, describes to the reader more than a simple homicide case. Asylum City deals with the problems and issues that both Israelis and refugees face in their everyday lives trying to survive, in a changing society, as citizens and migrants. This is where OMA (Organization for Migrant Aid) director Itai fisher and volunteer Michal Poleg come in and help the African asylum seekers construct a better life.
Helping the asylum seekers is not an easy job, especially if you get too involved. Michal learns this, the hard way, after discovering an illegal organization that benefits itself from the refugees. Her death seems like a simple case to solve, but as the story progresses, we find out that there’s more to it than it looks like. She was a character I immediately related to, and could understand, being a volunteer myself. Though her death occurs at the beginning of the book, her presence is always present throughout the story helping it develop. She was a character I would have liked to know more of; read about her strong personality, helping Itai at OMA, how she acted with the refugees.
Then we have, Itai Fisher, a character equally willing to help whoever needs it. In this case, Gabriel Takela, an Eritrean refugee who confesses to Michal’s murder in order to help his sister. On one hand, we have an Israeli sacrificing himself to help the asylum seekers that can’t fully come to trust OMA or the Israelis; and, on the other hand, an Eritrean not thinking twice to sacrifice himself for the only person he might have left in the world. We see the struggles they have to face to fulfil their goals, and in the same way amend past actions.
Anat Nachmias, is the policewoman in charge, and heroine of the story. I liked a comment made by the author, in which he mentions how, while researching for the book, he came to realize that it would be a woman taking the role of hero. And, it actually fits the book, because I think only Anat could have the sensibility to understand Michal, Gabriel, and Itai, and not let anyone interfere with the case. She was a character to look forward to.
Asylum City is a book that shows the points of views of characters in different situations that come in full circle at the end within a government and society which is described as those who want to help and those who want to hurt. I liked how the author gave every character a role to play. I would have never suspected the killer to be that particular person. Several times I changed my mind of whom to suspect of; the banker, Yariv, Michal’s family, even Yariv’s girlfriend at some point. A mystery well written.
I will remember Asylum City’s story from now on. It’s a book that opens the reader’s mind into seeing the danger that exists for refugees not only in Africa, but in different parts of the world, ‘til this day, that seek asylum and a way for a better life. I recommend you read Asylum City if mystery is your genre, there is so much of this book one could discuss.
*OBS would like to thank the author and TLC Book Tours for providing a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
February 8, 2017
The basic premise of the book is fairly common - An eager young detective, determined to solve her first case digs into a homicide that's cut and dry as far as the commanders are concerned. Doing so unveils a dark, seedy underworld where friends and foes aren't so easily discernible...and crossing the latter often has deadly consequences. But, Liad Shoham's whodunnit/mystery/thriller builds upon that basic story line, layer upon layer - with fluid characters that are so sharply drawn they could be used as weapons. For example, Anat, the young, detective is strong, she has to be to hold her own in the male dominated, testosterone environment of the police department. However, she's not the loud, outspoken, in your face type of strong - she tends to let her intelligence, work ethic and tenacity demonstrate her strength. She's also very sensitive, which can be a double edged sword in her line of work, yet, in this setting, the author interlaces Anat's strength and heart beautifully.
Immigration is a hot button, difficult topic, regardless of location. The manner in which Shoham reveals the dark, frightening, and often criminal aspects of this human crisis is haunting. There are so many seedy types just waiting to take advantage of immigrants and more often than not, they are afraid to call the police. These stories were both heart breaking and eye opening. But, the heavy heartedness is broken up by wise-cracking Jewish parents, giving their kids, (30ish kids that is) a hard row to hoe.
I said, the basic story outline here is common - it's what Liad Shoham does with that outline that makes this book anything but. There's a lot going on in Asylum City, the author weaves the plots and subplots together seamlessly. When the killer's identity was finally revealed, I have to say I was surprised. Shoham does a really good job of setting the scene, then populating it with deep, interesting characters. The only draw back (for me) was the dialogue moving to various characters. I felt this slowed the progress of the story...and made it feel chopped up or chunky at times. That said, this was a good read. I really like Anat. I felt like I got in on the ground floor and have a chance to watch her growth as a detective, as well as, her personal life. We saw glimpses and hints of a romantic relationship, I hope the author continues to flesh this out...it may or may not work out. I just hope Liad Shoham writes this character again...I look forward to reading what happens next.
Happy Reading!
Immigration is a hot button, difficult topic, regardless of location. The manner in which Shoham reveals the dark, frightening, and often criminal aspects of this human crisis is haunting. There are so many seedy types just waiting to take advantage of immigrants and more often than not, they are afraid to call the police. These stories were both heart breaking and eye opening. But, the heavy heartedness is broken up by wise-cracking Jewish parents, giving their kids, (30ish kids that is) a hard row to hoe.
I said, the basic story outline here is common - it's what Liad Shoham does with that outline that makes this book anything but. There's a lot going on in Asylum City, the author weaves the plots and subplots together seamlessly. When the killer's identity was finally revealed, I have to say I was surprised. Shoham does a really good job of setting the scene, then populating it with deep, interesting characters. The only draw back (for me) was the dialogue moving to various characters. I felt this slowed the progress of the story...and made it feel chopped up or chunky at times. That said, this was a good read. I really like Anat. I felt like I got in on the ground floor and have a chance to watch her growth as a detective, as well as, her personal life. We saw glimpses and hints of a romantic relationship, I hope the author continues to flesh this out...it may or may not work out. I just hope Liad Shoham writes this character again...I look forward to reading what happens next.
Happy Reading!
February 21, 2017
Very entertaining book
February 27, 2015
Reading ASYLUM CITY provides the reader with a new perspective on crime. Not only does it expose the reader to new lawful processes (even within the fictitious landscape) but it introduces new rationale behind the crimes committed. In ASYLUM CITY the criminal elements are complex and are largely based on greed - a common enough element, yet when immigration, refugees, and other political factors come into play, ASYLUM CITY distances itself from the norm.
The characters aren't all they seem to be with hidden motives and personal agendas dictating their every move and lie.
When a likable Michal Poleg is found murdered in her apartment, a suspect is quickly determined yet, is quickly distanced from the investigation by virtue of a young African man stepping forward claiming to be the murderer.
Going in I wasn't sure what to expect and was pleased with the overall flow and pacing of the novel. There are enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing while also dropping hints about the killers' true identity.
Overall, ASYLUM CITY is a great read if you're looking to diversity your crime fiction pallet. Whilst Liad Shoham does follow the stereotypical police procedural formula, I think the place setting and parallel plots give it enough depth to separate it from generic mainstream crime.
The characters aren't all they seem to be with hidden motives and personal agendas dictating their every move and lie.
When a likable Michal Poleg is found murdered in her apartment, a suspect is quickly determined yet, is quickly distanced from the investigation by virtue of a young African man stepping forward claiming to be the murderer.
Going in I wasn't sure what to expect and was pleased with the overall flow and pacing of the novel. There are enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing while also dropping hints about the killers' true identity.
Overall, ASYLUM CITY is a great read if you're looking to diversity your crime fiction pallet. Whilst Liad Shoham does follow the stereotypical police procedural formula, I think the place setting and parallel plots give it enough depth to separate it from generic mainstream crime.
March 23, 2015
This is another fabulous mystery novel about Israel. It is great to read a novel that takes place in Israel. Also ait is wonderful to discover another terrific mystery author, Liad Shoham. This reviewer will be going back to read his first novel and looking forward to reading many more books by him in the future. In this book the plot takes the reader into the underworld crime network revealed as Michal Poleg, a social worker trying to help Ethiopian and Eritrea refugees. She discovers corruption and illegal dealings that lead all the way up to the lawyers who are deporting refugees back to certain death. Police officer, Anat Nachmias continues to uncover the trail of corruption that leads all the way to the mysterious "General" and the "Banker" who are taking advantage of the poor asylum seekers who have come to Israel for safety.
Nachmias finishes the job that Michal Poleg started. Along with Poleg's partner, Itai Fisher, who feels guilty for not believing Michal from the beginning and Gabriel who is a refugee who has been helped by Michal, they search for her killers and the reason she was murdered.
Shoham has written a wonderfully descriptive novel of Israel, the problems it is facing with asylum seekers and embedded these issues in an intriguing storyline.
Nachmias finishes the job that Michal Poleg started. Along with Poleg's partner, Itai Fisher, who feels guilty for not believing Michal from the beginning and Gabriel who is a refugee who has been helped by Michal, they search for her killers and the reason she was murdered.
Shoham has written a wonderfully descriptive novel of Israel, the problems it is facing with asylum seekers and embedded these issues in an intriguing storyline.
November 15, 2015
BEWARE: One man's bookflap summary may be another man's spoiler.
Omniscient perspective by author.
Set in Tel Aviv, police mix it up with social activists, Eritrean refugees, lawyers and organized crime figures.
People often work at cross purposes, I learned from this crime mystery:
One person calls in the media to help some disadvantaged refugees, but it backfires.
One state's attorney relies on the word of a higher-level politician to justify the attorney's course of action. But, in the absence of a written record of the deal, the politician can conveniently disown his support.
One crime syndicate runs a informal banking scheme, which is better for the undocumented refugees than always carrying all their cash on their person -- but when the scheme folds, all depositors lose their funds and can't complain to the authorities.
Woven throughout for our enjoyment are the Jewish-mother worries by parents of some of the fairly young single professionals who are key players in this story of corruption and murder.
Translated from the Hebrew, the novel depicts with vigor a city I don't personally know. Somehow, all the Israeli names threw me (hard to remember). But the translator has a good ear for English slang and pop-culture references.
Omniscient perspective by author.
Set in Tel Aviv, police mix it up with social activists, Eritrean refugees, lawyers and organized crime figures.
People often work at cross purposes, I learned from this crime mystery:
One person calls in the media to help some disadvantaged refugees, but it backfires.
One state's attorney relies on the word of a higher-level politician to justify the attorney's course of action. But, in the absence of a written record of the deal, the politician can conveniently disown his support.
One crime syndicate runs a informal banking scheme, which is better for the undocumented refugees than always carrying all their cash on their person -- but when the scheme folds, all depositors lose their funds and can't complain to the authorities.
Woven throughout for our enjoyment are the Jewish-mother worries by parents of some of the fairly young single professionals who are key players in this story of corruption and murder.
Translated from the Hebrew, the novel depicts with vigor a city I don't personally know. Somehow, all the Israeli names threw me (hard to remember). But the translator has a good ear for English slang and pop-culture references.
October 15, 2014
The suspect confessed. Everyone else is eager to proceed. But Officer Anat Nachmias, the lead on her first murder investigation, isn’t satisfied the frightened young African is guilty.
There are too many holes in the story spun by Gabriel, a refugee from Eritrea, who had been a special project for Michal Poleg, the social activist he claims to have killed. Anat wants answers while her supervisors just want the case closed.
Her quest for answers draws Anat into the shadowy world of the refugees who are exploited, feared and discriminated against by their Israeli neighbors and victimized by vicious criminal syndicates.
Fighting time and pressure from her bosses, Anat joins forces with Itai Fisher, director of the Organization for Migrant Aid, who is suffering guilt over not having given Michal’s frantic messages more concern. They uncover other suspects, but will they be in time to save Gabriel from prison?
A taut, gripping thriller with engaging characters and a solid plot. This is the second novel I’ve read by Israel’s leading thriller writer. It’s equally fast-paced, gritty and complex. Highly recommended.
There are too many holes in the story spun by Gabriel, a refugee from Eritrea, who had been a special project for Michal Poleg, the social activist he claims to have killed. Anat wants answers while her supervisors just want the case closed.
Her quest for answers draws Anat into the shadowy world of the refugees who are exploited, feared and discriminated against by their Israeli neighbors and victimized by vicious criminal syndicates.
Fighting time and pressure from her bosses, Anat joins forces with Itai Fisher, director of the Organization for Migrant Aid, who is suffering guilt over not having given Michal’s frantic messages more concern. They uncover other suspects, but will they be in time to save Gabriel from prison?
A taut, gripping thriller with engaging characters and a solid plot. This is the second novel I’ve read by Israel’s leading thriller writer. It’s equally fast-paced, gritty and complex. Highly recommended.
May 8, 2016
I chose Israeli novelist/lawyer Liad Shoham's new novel, "Asylum City", because I had enjoyed his first book, "Lineup". Both books are set in Tel Aviv and Shoham gives an atmospheric view of the city and its people.
In "Asylum", the story takes place in the world of the political refugees who have fled bloodshed in their native Africa. They are helped along in their new lives by volunteers working at an aid office. One of the Israelis - a woman activist named Michal Poleg - is found beaten and murdered in her apartment, after a run-in with mysterious officials. Her murder case is taken up by another woman - Anat Nachmias - who is trying to gain respect by her police colleagues.
The problem with "Asylum City" is that there are just way too many characters and the story is not told in a particularly linear manner. I'm not a complete moron but I found I just couldn't follow the story and, further more, didn't care about the various characters. However, I am just one reviewer and I suspect that plenty of other readers will like the book. I'd advise downloading a bit of the book and seeing if you're interested.
In "Asylum", the story takes place in the world of the political refugees who have fled bloodshed in their native Africa. They are helped along in their new lives by volunteers working at an aid office. One of the Israelis - a woman activist named Michal Poleg - is found beaten and murdered in her apartment, after a run-in with mysterious officials. Her murder case is taken up by another woman - Anat Nachmias - who is trying to gain respect by her police colleagues.
The problem with "Asylum City" is that there are just way too many characters and the story is not told in a particularly linear manner. I'm not a complete moron but I found I just couldn't follow the story and, further more, didn't care about the various characters. However, I am just one reviewer and I suspect that plenty of other readers will like the book. I'd advise downloading a bit of the book and seeing if you're interested.
November 24, 2014
Liad Shoham takes the reader the seedy under belly of Tel Aviv in his latest book, Asylum City. This is the second book I have read by Shoham, and as with Lineup, I was not disappointed and read Asylum City cover to cover. Officer Anat Nachmias is placed in charge of finding out who murdered Michal Poleg, a young social activist, when Gabriel, a young refugee confesses, however Anat is not at all convinced this young African committed the murder. Anat’s commanding officers want the case closed, but she is unable to let go and is joined in seeking the truth with Gabriel’s supervisor, Itai Fisher. Once again, Shoham weaves together a tightly spun police procedural with the added bonus of allowing the reader an up close a personal look at life of refugees. The characters are extremely believable; the details are so atmospheric the reader will feel as though they are with Anat or living amongst the exploited refugees. Asylum City is a superbly written police procedural and one I would not hesitate to recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews