Leonard Cohen in the Sinai

 

There are moments across history who define and re-define an era. For the Middle East, Israel and Jews from all over the world, this was the Yom Kippur War in 1973. In less than 20 days, the geographical and especially mental map was rewritten in the sound of the alarm. 

With the usual attention to the finest details, Matti Friedman´s last book explores a relatively less known episode: Leonard Cohen´s presence in Israel during those times. Approaching 40, without a noticeable musical activity in a while, Cohen was languishing for life while in the Greek islands. 

His presence in Israel didn´t change or challenge the already booming musical scene, which allowed him to join for his concerts. But those encounters were testimony of a a new spirit, of a new generation of Israeli, particularly of musicians. 

As usual, Friedman is doing an outstanding research and journalistic investigation, checking on sources, interviewing almost everyone that happened to be around Cohen during his stay. It is an example to follow by everyone looking to investigate a relatively ´niche´ subject.

For everyone interested in the history of Israeli music and especially in Cohen´s life story, Leonard Cohen in the Sinai by Matti Friedman is a valuable resource. I reckon not ready too much - or at all - about musicians and music in general, but this book is at least as captivating as Cohen himself.

Rating: 5 stars