When I Lived in Modern Times
Linda Grant · b. 1951 · England
Why it matters
A young Jewish Londoner sails to 1946 Palestine to reinvent herself on a kibbutz and then in Tel Aviv, drawn unwittingly into espionage as a new state is born. A reinvention story staged against the chaotic birth of Israel.
At a glance
historical fictionpolitical novel
Difficulty 5/10medium pace272 pagesDense historical and political backdrop asks for some attention alongside a straightforward plot.
Where to go next
Alan Hollinghurst · 2004The Line of BeautyLvl 5Slow burn
J. G. Farrell · 1973The Siege of KrishnapurLvl 5Medium pace
Bernardine Evaristo · 2019Girl, Woman, OtherLvl 4Fast paced
Hilary Mantel · 2009Wolf HallLvl 7Medium pace
Mahasweta Devi · 1974Mother of 1084Lvl 5Medium pace
Michael Ondaatje · 1992The English PatientLvl 7Slow burn