This book was hard to put down and beautifully written. The story offers solid critical commentary on theocratic fascist regimes, a timely topic given the state of Israel in the modern world and rightward trends globally. I enjoyed it so much that I encouraged my spouse to read it, too.

I found the depictions of angels to be particularly interesting. Although I am not religious, I tend to think that more intelligent species have been interacting with us throughout history, and that these instances of "angels" showing up for people are a form of deception. I find it hard to believe that everyone who has ever interacted with these beings simply fabricated these events. It's more likely that the tendency of our species to explain anomalous events through the lens of religion has been used against us to push us in a particular direction. These angels, or the "God" portrayed in the book, do not seem to be what the characters believe them to be. The author leaves hints throughout that they do not always have our best interests in mind and play a role in influencing our decisions. Whether or not this was the intended meaning, it's how I interpret biblical history, especially now that it's becoming more and more apparent that we've probably been interacting with other intelligent species throughout history. ( )

This was the hardest book for me to read during the 2024 election in the United States, or should I say the Divided States of America. It’s about what happens after the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem by one man who every Jewish person idolizes as their savior. He is also made the High Priest and is the only one allowed into the holy of holies inside the Temple. He has 3 grown sons and one of them, Jonathan, was crippled as a boy because of a grenade attack. By Jewish law Jonathan should be an outcast, but because he is the Kings son he is allowed to be a Priest and run the Temple doing animal sacrifices to appease God. God is not happy with this, because the King is lying and using propaganda to exalt himself. His heart is far from God. So, God sends an Angel to warn Jonathan and gives him a message to give to his father. As war is raging in the land, a battle is going on in Jonathan whether or not to believe this Angel who is upsetting everything he has believed. 5 stars for a book I wish more people would read. Well done on the translation too. On a personal note, I am a Jesus follower and half of my family is Jewish, so I know that reclaiming the Temple is on the agenda for Christians and Jews. Unfortunately, man’s ego and desire for their own exaltation leaves God out of the equation. ( )

This book feels like it is seeking entry into the dystopian canon. It is terrifying at times, intriguing at others, and ultimately beautifully devastating, certainly given current world affairs. ( )

Warning.

I want to warn people who have issues with animal sacrifices that they should avoid The Third Temple. There is a lot of blood and gore referenced throughout the book and the vast majority of it is animal in nature.

End of warning.

I do not understand religion and do not belong to one myself so to read The Third Temple was an experience for me. I do not understand how any religion would see violence as a way to a faithful afterlife. I just don't get it.

That said, in Yishai Sarid's novel you see how someone with true faith in something is led to believe things and that when they are faced with an alternate truth - one that appears very clear from outside as a reader - they are not able to change their views. No matter who - or how many - get hurt.

I think the events in The Third Temple could arise at any point. Though fiction, there are enough real-world references to make this an alternate future that may even be playing out today.

This book isn't an easy read in English and I can't imagine what it would be like to read it in Hebrew. The translation has a lot of depth and feeling and must have been very carefully done.

Do I suggest you read it? Maybe.

If you live on cozy mysteries and Hallmark movies you should skip it. If you can't stand animals suffering, skip it OR know you will flip through many passages which probably means missing important details in favor of not reading about a lamb being dismembered or fresh animal blood splattering walls and people.

I think most other people will gain something from it and should read it. Or at least try to read it. I didn't get overly invested until nearly halfway through the book, probably because of my lack of religious fervor. It was at that point it became a human story to me, not a religious one. ( )

"The Third Temple" by Yishai Sarid is an unusual story about a prophesied Third Temple and the attempted destruction of it and the Jewish faith by the Amalekites. The author has written 7 other books and been recognized for his talent, winning many prestigious literary prizes. Anytime one reads a book about religion, it helps to have previous knowledge of that religion and an understanding of the cultural conflicts regarding its survival and woes. It is definitely true for this book that an understanding of the history of the Jews and their struggles will help the reader.
The story is revealed through a complex character, the son of the King who is disabled and whose relationship with his parents is on tenterhooks. His siblings each have significant roles to play in the story and as characters are cleverly developed by Sarid. The oldest son, David is the father's favorite, another son Joel does not respect his father and abandons the family in the end and a daughter runs a television station promoting the family all through the war. But it is Jonathan, the youngest, who is the narrator and central figure as well as the astute storyteller.
I was quickly drawn into the story. On one level, Jonathan is trying to meet his responsibilities and not disappoint his father, the King. Jonathan is supposed to maintain the holy structure and perform all necessary rituals for the worshippers in the Kingdom. However, whether he succeeds is questionable and his personal struggles interfere time and again with his assigned agenda.
There are so many interesting characters in this story. There are hints of betrayals, sexual entanglements and violent acts that attempt to explain wartime behavior and the extremes in human behavior. This happens within the context of the Jewish community as well as within the kings family. The reader is challenged to understand the actions of Rabbis, priests, ritualistic members of the community and ordinary citizens all trying to survive during a violent wartime. One can easily see the author's efforts to point toward the present war between Israel and Gaza and Lebanon with Hamas and Hezbollah. The extent of suffering matches the destruction of this fictitious Kingdom.
Saying I enjoyed the book would not be honest. It brought up in me a great sadness for all people who are sacriced for what they belive in just because others follow a different faith. However, it is a novel worth reading and even in its sadness it offers its own life lessons.There are many biblical stories eluded to in this book and these references educate readers as well as make the story even more interesting. It is ironic that the central character's freedom arises only after the decimation of the Temple. ( )