The Hollow Tree

by Jacob G. Rosenberg

A parable of war and the unthinkable atrocities that humanity perpetrates in a time of cataclysmic social change, this novel by a master storyteller is also a poignant story of love, war, and human resilience   "To be an unbending adherent in a world of stony realities,' Herbert had remarked, 'is to ask for trouble. Not because of one's allegiance, but because such an ally will be forced to conform or be squashed, trampled on or in the end annihilated by the crude laughter of fate."
  The Hollow Tree is a story of love and loyalty in a time of war. Sometimes love isn't convenient, and loyalty doesn't always serve justice when the brutality of war sweeps away all before it. Yet somewhere in this darkly disturbing fable a tiny spark of hope beckons life anew as Jan Milder, its young protagonist, travels the roads of his mysterious destiny. Although it is written as a novel, this story recalls Jacob Rosenberg's prize-winning autobiographical memoirs, East of Time and Sunrise West . This deeply moving book is the final legacy of a master storyteller.

Genres: Fiction

248 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Chris Waterford · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a Jewish fable by an author who spent time in a concentration camp. It's a grim tale filled with awkward and ill-fitting metaphors in a simplistic story.

[Glennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily readable but ideas weighty. Now to follow with his autobiography after listening to Phillip Adams on ABS radio interviewing him in 2007.

[Phuong · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Hollow Tree" is not all about the two lovers who are separated by war and later reunite, but full of life's philosophy. One can easily find that at some points during his life, he is one of the characters, questioning what love and loyalty truly are. I love how Rosenberg incorporated philosophy into an seemingly simple plot, to make readers stop longer at each page and ponder about every word and sentence. The book is definitely worth reading and thinking about.

[Kirstin]

This is such a gorgeous read. It is a beautiful book, and I am so sad that the author died last year/year be
fore, as I would have so loved to see more from him. This fable takes the reader somewhere quite special, and I think it changes you, so that by the time you come to the end you are not quite the same as when you started.

[sabsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this style of writing and it's one of the reasons why I persisted with the book. This books relies heavily on the reader's imagination for the exact details of what's occurring throughout the novel, and though it was "short and sweet", it was overall a lovely (although also very tragic) tale.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have never chosen this book and didn't expect to like it. My 3 yr old son chose it at the library and I only decided to read it because of insomnia and the relatively large print. What a little gem. I read it in one sitting.

[JJ Aitken · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the most wonderful surprise I have had in a long time. It is only once in a few years for me that a book like this comes along. This is a multi layered fable that can be read and re-read again and again. The more you think back on it the more autobiographical it feels. Perfect.

[zespri · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the allegorical novel category - a quirky little book.

The author was a survivor of the Nazi Holocaust, and with this in mind, the parallels in the story become obvious.

[Alecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is utterly amazing. The way it is written brings an old world kind of charm It is like nothing I have ever read. The story is heartbreaking, but I loved it all the same.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautifully written. It takes you back to a way of writing that seems so scarce these days. I loved reading and journeying through this book. Thank you sir!

[Nancy Valentino]

I didn't really enjoy this novel. It's not in a style that I enjoy and it was a bit weird. It was a struggle to get through it.