Here There Is No Why

In Here There Is No Why, acclaimed Israeli author and Holocaust survivor Chaim Lerner’s tragic death in 1983 raises disturbing questions: Was it suicide or murder? In 2005, Judah Loeb, Lerner's former student, becomes a determined journalist on a quest for truth, accompanied by his teenage daughter, Hannah, and former roommate, Charlie, a Jerusalem detective. As they dig into Lerner’s enigmatic legacy, they uncover dark secrets within Israeli society, confronting personal betrayals and historical burdens. Philip Graubart masterfully weaves a narrative that intricately explores profound themes of grief, the search for truth, and the idea of identity against the backdrop of personal and historical tragedies.  

Judah Loeb is a journalist struggling with memories of his past, particularly the suicide of his wife, as he embarks on a journey to investigate the mysterious death of the renowned Chaim Lerner. The plot unfolds through Judah’s interactions with his estranged daughter, Hannah, and the vibrant cast of characters, including Lerner’s family. The tension between Judah's grief and the broader significance of historical trauma—specifically the Holocaust—creates an emotional landscape that is both intimate and universal. Graubart invites readers into Judah’s exploration of why personal and collective pain shapes human existence. The writing is lyrical, and the short, even one-word sentences leave a poetic impact on readers that underline the narrator’s sense of urgency. The imagery carves itself in a place in the imagination; for instance: “It summoned forgotten odors: Jerusalem pine, garbage on the streets, Israeli shampoo, Time cigarettes. And distant, nearly forgotten sensations: falling asleep to the sound of breaking waves, cold nights with no heat, the erotic jolt from watching young female soldiers.” 

Thematically, the novel examines the concept of meaning—or the lack thereof—in life’s darkest moments, aptly encapsulated in Lerner’s philosophy that “here there is no why.” This phrase reflects a struggle against the chaos of existence, prompting readers to question how individuals find purpose in a world riddled with suffering. The psychological conflict within Judah is mirrored in the commentaries about trauma, justice, and grief. Judah wrestles with guilt and responsibility while navigating tensions within his immediate family and society. The relationships between characters are often strained, and the novel’s exploration of personal trauma amidst collective suffering speaks to the heart of our shared humanity and the quest for understanding in what usually feels like an incomprehensible world. Here There Is No Why features exceptional writing and emotional depth that kept me following the unforgettable, genuinely flawed characters.