Rabbi Daniel Winter is empathetic toward is parishioner Gerald Braun. According to Jewish law justice should be served, and, so far, it has not been. Despite the antipathy of the board of his synagogue, Rabbi Winter steadfastly defends Gerald Braun. The fact that Gerald Brain is guilty of murder makes him an outcast to the members of the board. Further should Rabbi Winter continue to defend the man besmirches the congregation itself. There is much sentiment to support a movement to call for the resignation of Rabbi Winter.

Though this book is the third in a trilogy of novels staring Rabbi Daniel Winter it is strong enough to stand on its own. There is enough of a mystery to satisfy most mystery fans that enjoy the puzzle, for, indeed, there is another murder to be unraveled beyond, the obvious ones. Author Telushkin gives the reader enough clues to finger the right perpetrator on his own, and the motives as well as the method make sense.

As evidenced by the dedication of the book to three young women who lost their lives to “men who collectively served fewer than ten years in prison for their murders,” Telushkin has a more wide ranging agenda than merely to relate a good mystery tale. He illuminates several of the many shortcomings of the criminal justice system in the United States and hints at ways to improve it. He pleads for action toward victim’s rights as well as a more rigorous effort to assure that justice is done. As this novel was originally published in 1991, it is amazing how timely the subject still is today, fifteen years later.

Another string selling point for this story is the great amount of knowledge about the Jewish religion that it imparts. Major tenets of the religion that differ from Christianity and Catholicism in particular are noted. For instance, Judaism stresses justice whereas Christianity preaches forgiveness. The history of Judaism is given some space as well. The reason for the rituals and laws of the religion make a great deal of sense in light of their origin.

The moral and ethical dilemmas presented by the situation Mr. Telushkin has presented offer ample room for discussion and thought. There probably is no one right or wrong answer to the questions posed, but the author does make his readers stop and think about the problems people can encounter in their dealings with each other. This book is one that will demand that its readers question the validity of some of the laws we have so casually adopted.

An Eye for an Eye is a wonderful, thought provoking novel.

--Andy Plonka