The Parting Gift

“Evan Fallenberg’s third novel may be his best. A page-turner from beginning to end, The Parting Gift is written with exacting detail, a riveting plot, and characters of incredible depth. An epistolary work, the story follows the unnamed narrator as he makes a move to Israel, becomes the obsessed lover of a gruff, hyper-masculine spice farmer named Uzi, and slowly integrates into Uzi’s life, work, and family. Jealousy, lust, and ambition drive the thrilling, fast-pace plot.

Like Fallenberg’s other novels, the book discusses the intersection of Judaism, gender, and sexuality. Though the back-cover calls the novel an “erotic tale,” I cannot exactly classify this book (which does have erotic scenes) as a run-of-the-mill romance, nor should it be classified as “erotica,” as the generic name may imply that it’s simplistic smut. The book is dynamic and thematically complex, dealing with power, masculinity, family, and desire.
If you are in need of a quick and engrossing read, I cannot recommend this novel enough.”