The English Teacher

 The Engish Teacher by Yiftach Reicher Atir is a fascinating novel about the Mossad and the secret agents. Written by Atir who was a military intelligence officer in Israeli Defense Forces has written this book telling the story of what it is like to be apart of the secret intelligence for a country.  

“The book you are hold­ing in your hands is the true sto­ry of what nev­er hap­pened,”  A story based on facts and strictly reviewed by the Mossad to make sure there were no real facts given away.

This is the story of a young woman, Rachel Goldschmitt who left home to become an undercover operative for Israel.  She works as an English teacher in a small Arab town, leaving every now then to go on a mission.  Her mentor and handler, Ehud watches over her and makes sure she is safe.  But it is a lonely life, not being able to set down roots, make real friends, always lying and keeping to yourself.

Does this life style begin to take a toll on Rachel?  She sends a message to Ehud that her father has died and she is returning to England for the funeral and shiva.  But soon they realize that she is not coming back and she has disappeared.  Ehud and his direct boss Joe go over the facts Ehud remembers of his time working with Rachel as they try to figure out where she could be.  Oncee you are a operative for Mossad, you can never go back to the outside world.  You know too much and must stay within the organization.

This was a fascinating book,  the suspense building as Ehud and Joe are slowly revealing Rachel story and the conflicts she was shouldering.  The risks she was taking and the dangerous life she was living.