Two Authors & Five Fruits: Perspectives On A Century of Conflict In Palestine, with Ian Wellens and Yaara Lahav
 
How do we make sense of an issue that is never out of the news, and which affects us all?  Join writers Ian Wellens and Yaara Lahav for an evening of conversation centred on a land where war seems ever-present. Ian is the author of newly published A History Of Palestine In Five Fruits, and Yaara’s novel Night Swimming in the Jordan is set in a kibbutz in 1970s Israel. Together, they will discuss the background and history of the conflict, share their experiences of learning about it and living with it, and consider what the future holds. 
 
Chaired by Sophie Pierce. Co-presented with First Draft Books
 
Watch Ian Wellens talk about A History Of Palestine In Five Fruits here on Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/1117321295/e8621ac215
 
Reviews of A History of Palestine in Five Fruits 
 
“A unique introduction … even if your library were full of books on Palestine, it would be remiss to be without this extraordinary and original book” Professor Ilan Pappé
 
“This book offers a powerful and comprehensive history of Palestine, told through the stories of five fruits that have endured and resisted colonial violence.”   Nadia Naser-Najjab, Co-Director of European Centre for Palestine Studies, University of Exeter 
 
Reviews of Night Swimming in the Jordan
 
“A special, unusual book. I love the way it brings politics and the personal together so sensually…it has helped me understand and talk further with Jewish friends and people I love who work for peace for Palestinians.” Sarah Hopkins, former fiction editor of Spare Rib magazine
 
“Absolutely fascinating….a great exploration of Israeli politics as well – a reminder that there have always been Israelis who advocated for Palestinian rights.” Rachel Evans 
 
Proceeds from this event will go to the Mines Advisory Group and the Hands Up Project.




Night Swimming in the Jordan is a newly published novel by Ya'ara Lahav Gregory that links Devon with the Middle East. Ya'ara will talk about growing up in a kibbutz in Israel during the late 1960s and 70s. She has lived in Devon for over 30 years – the narrative to some extent mirrors her own journey. The novel is a coming of age love story which also takes in broader themes including war, displacement and the effect of ideology on individuals and relationships.

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