Catch a Dream by Wendy Brown-Baez

Catch a Dream takes place in Israel during the time of the first intifada in 1988, when Arabic frustration for a homeland erupted in strikes, demonstrations and suicide bombings. Rainbow Dove and Lily Ambrosia, traveling with their children, arrive in Haifa. On a mission to sow seeds of peace, they intend to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. A violent incident in her past terrorizes Lily’s dreams. Living on the edge of society has veiled its power to haunt her as she searches for safety and a sense of belonging. Her fascination with Jewish culture inspires her to dream she can plant roots in the Holy Land. Lily meets Levi, who is charming and enigmatic, dangerous but irresistible. Their love affair undermines her relationship with Rainbow Dove and they begin to go their separate ways. Lily wants to find a way to stay. Her spiritual life is a tangle of beliefs and desires, impacted by the Jewish culture all around her, and she becomes aware of the toll that the relentless conflict takes on the Israeli people. She gets a job as a nanny and soon is immersed in daily life, from hanging out with friends in cafes to attending Yom Kippur services at the synagogue. Lily’s journey to become a woman grounded in practicality rather than drifting in idealism is honed by both heart-break and healing. She reaches out again and again for love. Will she be able to stay? What does she have to give up and what will she be able to keep?