Rakefet, My First Love

Ruth Almog’s offbeat love story is enhanced by a satirical account of Daniel’s bohemian family. While he’s trying to cope with his wacky home, Daniel falls in love. He meets Rakefet at a zoology summer school; they both want to become veterinarians. And then there’s the new school year with fresh alliances, difficult teachers and a reunion with Uri, an old friend from playschool. Rakefet prefers Uri, and Daniel’s love turns mean. Violent and bitter, he neglects his school work, is impatient at home and is no longer popular. The impasse is eventually resolved and Daniel gets his reward. He wins Rakefet’s love and makes up with Uri. But his parents have decided to move to London for a year, and Daniel no longer wants what was so terribly important to him before.

Rakefet, My First Love was one of Israeli teens’ three favorite books in the 1990s.