Sharon Reiss Baker’s gorgeous young adult novel, Last Days in Moav, transports the reader to Biblical times. As the book begins, the Tribes of Israel are at the end of their years of wandering the desert after escaping from bondage in Egypt. Still led by Moses, the tribes wait at their encampment on the plains of Moav, ready to cross the Jordan River into the Land, the place promised to them by El. A narrative told in four voices, Last Days in Moav begins through the eyes of Netanel, a dead boy who watches his family as a spirit or shade known as a rapha. Netanel guides the reader through the story of his siblings, Milcah and Gidon, fiercely loyal twins whose world is rocked by betrayal. The book is a beautiful mosaic of lush language, nail-biting suspense, and ancient mysticism. Reiss Baker’s attention to historical detail is remarkable, immersing the reader fully in the world of the Book of Exodus. Readers cannot help but feel the danger of swirling sandstorms, sudden floods, and otherworldly night desert landscapes. Beautifully executed for teen readers, Last Days in Moav shows the push and pull of Milcah’s fight for independence and Gidon’s reluctant acceptance of his new role as the eldest son. But it is the earnest and ever-optimistic voice of Avidan, the twins’ younger brother, that breaks our hearts. It’s a sweeping yet intimate saga of grief, love, family secrets, and mysterious healings.
Without once mentioning Judaism, Sharon Reiss Baker gives us a very Jewish story whose characters embody the Jewish values we all hope to pass on to our children. Set in a time that is hardly ever explored in young adult literature, the book is both an exceptional story of one resilient Jewish family and a universal story of hope and redemption.
Last Days in Moav is a first purchase book for any library with a Young Adult collection. Readers need not be familiar with Jewish customs and religious traditions to read the book and feel the story’s intensity. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and magical realism.
Reviewer Stacy Nockowitz is a retired middle school librarian and former language arts teacher with 30+ years of experience in middle grade education. She holds Master's Degrees from Columbia University, Kent State University, and Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her debut middle grade novel, The Prince of Steel Pier (Kar-Ben), won the 2022 National Jewish Book Award for Middle Grade Literature and was named a Sydney Taylor Notable Book for 2023. Stacy has spoken at education and writing conferences all over the country, including as the Keynote Speaker for the Garden State Book Awards in 2024. Visit her at www.stacynockowitz.com.
Oh! This sounds amazing! Can’t wait to read it.