Adina Rishe Gewirtz Boeken

“An emotionally honest family story with an ending that’s hopeful without being implausibly upbeat.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) In an extraordinary debut novel, an escaped fugitive upends everything two siblings think they know about their family, their past, and themselves. Driven by suspense and psychological intrigue, Zebra Forest deftly portrays an unfolding standoff of truth against family secrets — and offers an affecting look at two resourceful, imaginative kids as they react and adapt to the hand they’ve been dealt.

An escaped fugitive disrupts the lives of two siblings, challenging their understanding of family and their own identities. As secrets from the past unravel, they are forced to confront their beliefs and the truths hidden within their history. This debut novel explores themes of family dynamics, self-discovery, and the impact of unexpected revelations.

The story follows five siblings who unexpectedly tumble into a harsh and unfamiliar world, where their arrival was ominously predicted. They find themselves in the midst of a fierce civil conflict, as a manipulative demagogue incites the populace to surrender to their deepest fears and instincts. The narrative explores themes of power, fear, and the struggle for survival in a chaotic environment, challenging the siblings to navigate this perilous landscape and uncover their purpose in this tumultuous setting.