Sebastian Faulks Explores Post-WWII Palestine in New Novel 'Farewell to Eden'

Quick Brief
Author Sebastian Faulks has released his 17th novel, titled 'Farewell to Eden'. The panoramic epic is set in 1946 and follows a British infantry officer deployed to maintain the mandate in Palestine. The book examines the turbulent relations between Jewish and Arab communities alongside Britain's role in the region.
What Happened?
In Sebastian Faulks's latest novel, 'Farewell to Eden', protagonist Philip Deval is deployed as a second-in-command infantry officer to Palestine in 1946 following service in Normandy. Tasked with peacekeeping amidst the tense backdrop of the British mandate, Philip oversees fragile dynamics between Jewish and Arab populations while grappling with personal melancholy, battlefield trauma, and a pessimistic outlook on human nature.
Why It Matters
The novel addresses the roots of an enduring geopolitical struggle by examining historical British involvement and failures in the region, offering a literary lens on the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict through the eyes of a post-war veteran.
Key Facts
- Sebastian Faulks's 17th novel is titled 'Farewell to Eden'.
- The story is set in 1946 during the British mandate in Palestine.
- The protagonist, Philip Deval, is a British infantry officer who previously fought in Normandy.
- Philip deals with inner melancholy and a pessimistic view of human nature shaped by war.
- The narrative examines Britain's failures and impending departure from the territory.
Compiled from 1 outlet
Related Stories

Exploring the enduring appeal of the 1980s film Valley Girl as a personal comfort movie
A recent essay highlights the enduring nostalgic appeal of the 1980s teen film Valley Girl. The piece reflects on how 1980s pop culture captivated teenagers of subsequent decades seeking romance and happy endings on screen.

Review: The McRae/Vassilev Project at London's Linbury Theatre
The Linbury Theatre in London has hosted The McRae/Vassilev Project, a collaborative showcase featuring dancer Steven and violinist Vasko Vassilev. Directed by Natalie Abrahami and choreographed by Loughlan Prior, the production blends personal backstories with virtuosic performances. Reviewers noted that the multi-part performance occasionally felt like a loosely assembled project rather than a unified piece.

Review: Natural Childbirth Horror Film 'Goody Goody' Blends Interpersonal Drama with Demonic Occult Elements
Debut director Raymond Creamer's horror film 'Goody Goody' follows an expectant mother whose remote winter cabin birth spirals into a demonic occult blowout. The movie starts as an interpersonal drama centered around a birthing pool before shifting into a creature feature.
Telangana Begins Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations with Widespread Idol Installations
Festive celebrations for Ganesh Chaturthi have commenced across the state of Telangana with immense enthusiasm. Numerous Lord Ganesha idols of diverse shapes and sizes have been set up for worship in towns, villages, residential complexes, and individual homes.