Death Of A Monk

A Dark Secret in the Heart of 19th-Century Damascus

Death of a Monk by Alon Hilu, published in 2007 by Vintage Books, is a haunting, provocative reimagining of a true historical event—the 1840 Damascus Affair, a notorious blood libel that shook the Jewish community to its core. Through rich prose and bold storytelling, Hilu crafts a tale of identity, repression, and forbidden desire.

History, Desire, and Betrayal

At the center of the novel is Aslan Farhi, a sensitive young Jewish man trapped by the rigid expectations of his family and society. Living in fear of his own desires in a deeply conservative culture, Aslan finds himself drawn into a tangled web of deception when a Christian monk is found murdered. As tensions between Jews and Christians escalate, Aslan’s secret life collides with dangerous political forces—and the consequences are devastating.

A Bold and Unforgettable Narrative

Blending historical fiction with psychological depth, Death of a Monk explores themes of faith, sexuality, guilt, and survival. Alon Hilu’s fearless and poetic novel challenges conventions while shedding light on a disturbing chapter in Middle Eastern history.

Perfect for Fans of Literary Historical Fiction

This is an evocative, unsettling, and deeply human novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate complex characters, morally charged stories, and richly imagined historical settings.