The Ambassador
The Ambassador is a revisionist historical novel set during World War II. It asks the question: What would have happened to the Jews if Israel had its own state before the Holocaust? The novel is based on the historical revision that the British government accepted the recommendations of Lord Peel and partitioned Palestine. This would have ended the British Mandate and Israel would have gained statehood in 1937.
The novel follows Dan Lavi, who is appointed ambassador to the Third Reich in Berlin. His task: to process Jews out of Germany and into Israel. Working with high-level Nazis like Adolph Eichmann and Reinhard Heydrich, Lavi must stay true to his mission despite the growing horror that encompasses him and his family. As the war goes on, Lavi sees his mission changing from diplomat to spy to saboteur and must decide whether the risk to himself, his friends and family is worth it to bring down the Reich.
Avner and Rees tell a riveting tale that shines with expert writing, intriguing character arcs and captivating scenes. The authors had me thinking that if the partition did happen, then the world would have been a much better place. The Holocaust would have been greatly lessened; North Africa, Italy and Germany would have been won faster, and America would have controlled all of Europe without Soviet intervention. I don’t doubt some of that. Unfortunately, I think the authors could have hidden their agenda better, because I think many would deem this on the verge of propaganda.
