"A Trumpet in the Wadi" by Sami Michael is set in Haifa, just before the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, and offers a snapshot of the Arab Israeli conflict through the lives of its diverse characters. The story centers around a Christian Arab family living in the city's Arab quarter: Elias, the patriarch; his daughter-in-law Umm-Huda; and her daughters Mary and Huda. They share their building with Alex, a Russian-Jewish immigrant known for his trumpet playing.

The novel explores the relationships and dynamics among its characters: Huda's budding interest in Alex, Mary's rejection of Zuhair for her cousin Wahid, and the complexities that arise in their interactions against the backdrop of cultural and religious differences. A humorous trip to Eilat and a poignant visit to Alex's mother's nursing home highlight key moments in their lives.

Sami Michael skillfully portrays the characters' struggles and desires amidst societal pressures and political tensions. The novel addresses themes of love, identity, and coexistence, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by individuals in a divided society.

A Trumpet in the Wadi (Hebrew: חצוצרה בוואדי) is a 1987 novel by Sami Michael. It details a love story between a Russian Jewish immigrant and an Arab Christian woman in the Wadi Nisnas of Haifa. The novel has been adapted for the stage five times in Israel, as well as for a film in 2001. The film version of the book won many prizes–First Prize at Haifa International Film Festival, the Haifa Culture Foundation prize, the Israeli Academy prize for Best Drama, First Prize in the Film Festival for Love Stories in Russia, and Best Actor at the Geneva Festival.

A Trumpet in the Wadi has been translated into English (New York, Simon & Schuster 2003), Dutch (Amsterdam, 1996), German (Berlin, 1996, 2008), French (Paris, 2006), Italian (Florence, 2006), Persian (Los Angeles, 2006), and Chinese (Beijing, 2009).

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster; First Edition (July 29, 2003)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 244 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0743244966
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0743244961
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 0.75 x 9.25 inches
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket: Fine

A residue of a removed sticker/bookplate from the free endpaper, else fine. Nice copy.