During World War II, the rising threat of Nazi power begins to encroach on the peaceful coexistence of two families living in Morocco. Two boys — Jacob, who is Jewish, and Hassan, who is Muslim — are close friends with sensitive souls. They spend their mornings helping their families before coming together to play in Jacob’s magnificent family garden. Both of their families tell them that “a garden is a prayer” and “also a promise.” Then, one day, Jacob’s family decides to move to Israel, where they feel they will be safer and more secure. Before Jacob leaves, Hassan assures him that he will continue to care for the garden, because it will always be a promise and a prayer.
The book’s illustrations are colorful, sensual, and delicious. Delicious, too, are the mentions of the treats shared by the neighboring families: bimuelos, which are orange honey donuts, and khobz, a special flatbread. The interactions between the families are meaningful and model true friendship.
Based on a true story, The Promise is a difficult book to close. The families’ mutual respect and closeness leave us hoping that we, too, can cultivate beautiful lives and peaceful days.
Award-winning journalist and freelance writer, Helen Weiss Pincus, has taught memoir writing and creative writing throughout the NY Metro area to senior citizens and high school students. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Record, The Jewish Standard, and other publications. She recently added “Bubby” to her job description.
