Bashert is an Yiddish word–with two meanings. Both are central to the theme of Larry Goldsmith’s latest book, BASHERT—for his main character, Michael, who felt that meeting Shira at Woodstock was bashert, to Shira who had been looking for her bashert–the man who would become her husband. It was a tumultuous time in America as the Vietnam War turned into a bitter Cold War with Russia. What starts out as a romance, turns into an international courtroom drama as Michel must defend his father-in-law in a case that rocks the world. The trial pits political foes against each other in a story of corruption and deceit. Hanging in the balance are the lives of millions of Jews who want to escape the Soviet Union.
As I started reading Bashert which opens in Woodstock I couldn’t help think about that song: Where have all the flowers gone? Somehow it feels like the world is upside down and sideways. Peter, Paul, and Mary were supposed to have touched hearts forever–but we are still in a Cold War with Russia that threatens to heat up. That’s why I appreciate this book. It is a reminder—when will we ever learn? I had almost forgotten those years when little Jewish girls in America carried tin can “pushkes” to collect money to “free the Jews”—so I am grateful for this book which reminds us that peace and freedom are truly precious. Michael Goldsmith captures those times in this complicated and troubled lover story and courtroom drama.
When WILL we ever learn? Read the book and let me know what you think.
About the book:
In the late sixties, the world experiences a counter revolution, rebelling against the devastating war in Vietnam and cultural norms. Hoping to end the nuclear arms race, the Nixon administration intends to support a free trade agreement while ignoring Soviet human and religious abuses.
In New York city, a young criminal attorney enters the fray after his shotgun wedding to the Rebbe’s daughter. His father-in-law is a world renowned clandestine leader seeking religious freedom for millions of Soviet citizens. The White House prosecutes the Rebbe as their scapegoat so the U.S. Soviet trade agreement passes Congress.
The Nixon administration will use every legal tool orchestrated by an unscrupulous U.S. prosecuting attorney to imprison the Rebbe and destroy the credibility of his movement.
Millions of lives rest on the outcome of the trial. The world watches, waiting for a courtroom verdict, as two young lovers and an old Rebbe battle two world superpowers.I
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