Mackenzie, Lost and Found by Deborah Kerbel

October 13, 2009, 2:49 am
Filed under: Uncategorized

Mackenzie Hill is still grieving over the death of her mother when her father, a York University archaeology professor, informs her that they’ll be spending a sabbatical year in Jerusalem. She’s resentful about the move so her father offers for her to return to Toronto after three months if she does not adjust to life in Israel. Initially unhappy about being in a strange country, she is soon befriended by a young American expatriate, Marla, who also lost her mother.

The friendship between Mackenzie and Marla deepens and her adjustment to life in Jerusalem occurs rapidly, making her lose interest in returning to Toronto at the end of the three month period. The relationship is threatened though, when Mackenzie finds herself drawn to an Arab boy from Jerusalem’s old city who works in a local grocery shop. Mackenzie discovers that the relationship is offensive to her Jewish friends. The liaison is also considered a culturally taboo one in Nasir’s Muslim family and he must conceal their connection from his family in order to see her. The plot is further complicated when Nasir’s father traffics illegal black market antiquities and Mackenzie’s inadvertent involvement leads her to danger.

The author’s description of Jerusalem offers a vivid and fascinating outsiders look at a city that is both ancient and modern. Kerbel’s description of the sights, sounds, and smells, of the city is tactile and engrossing. She depicts the ethnic conflict that arises between Jewish Israelis, Muslim Arabs, and a Gentile Canadian with sensitivity and insight. The story is told from Mackenzie’s point of view in first person and alternates with Nasir’s third person narration. The characters are all believable and sympathetic; individuals bearing pain, longing, and sadness. Their yearning for love and acceptance is a common thread despite the web of ethnic and political unrest that contributes to the tensions between them. The cultural gap between the characters backgrounds also serve as a backdrop to the conflict that develops.

This book is a gripping read that’s fast paced and well-written. Mackenzie’s reluctant arrival in Jerusalem turns into a significant catalyst for the personal growth that helps her heal from the tragedy of her mother’s loss. Mackenzie, Lost and Found is an excellent read for teens of any age. Readers of this book will welcome the sequel.