Jan Surasky

Back to Jerusalem Jan Surasky

In the 1970s, in the small rural community of Jerusalem, New York, Jenny Thompson has reached a turning point in her life. About to finish her senior year of high school, the country girl loves the lush land of her family s farm, the heady scent of dogwood and the brilliant reds of summer sunsets. Yet she dreams of escaping to college and pursuing a career as an artist. The feminist wave has not yet reached Jerusalem, however. All Jenny s bitter, overbearing mother wants is for her to marry...well.

But who s a suitable match? Growing up, Jenny has forged a close, heart-to-heart friendship with Jake Martin the gentle Mennonite boy her mother considers an unseemly outsider. As hardworking and idealistic as he is poor, Jake wants to be a lawyer to help those like himself. Though sad to part with Jenny, he has only good wishes for her when she marries Bud, the richest and most popular boy at school.

The traditional marriage is a mistake, Jenny soon realizes. Divorced, she and her son move to New York where she discovers new artistic talents and a growing sense of empowerment. At the peak of her success, a turn of events reconnects her with Jake, now a high-powered attorney. Together they return to Jerusalem where a second chance in a changing world awaits them.

Told with keen insight into character and an eye for nature s beauty, Back to Jerusalem vividly captures both the easy rhythm of farm life, and the fast-paced hustle and bustle of New York City. Along with an inside look at the Mennonite and the English, Surasky deftly illuminates the challenges of women seeking liberation in the 70s.

Back to Jerusalem is a poignant, jubilant homecoming readers are sure to celebrate.