The Death of the Prince

A gentle touch and lyrical voice are the outstanding features of Amela Einat’s simple story, which addresses homesickness and loss. Even though Danna wanted to move to the Far East with her diplomat parents, she finds the reality depressing. It is so hot that Danna can only leave the house after dark and the rain, which falls every day, turns to steam as it hits the ground. In the oppressive heat, lush flowers bloom hourly, yellow birds caw overhead and the smoke of prayer candles is in the air. Danna’s mother is often resting. Danna pines for home and her dog, Dandy. She becomes thinner and quieter until Father returns from a journey with something to sweeten her loneliness: Remy, a regal eastern cat and the reincarnation of a prince, acccording to the monk who reared him.

Remy’s arrival diverts Danna from her sadness, but the cat in turn longs for its mountain home. As Danna is restored to her former exuberance, Remy becomes skinny and dull, until he dies. A ritual burial is followed by tears and grief and Danna lashes out at everyone in ways that surprise even herself. When Danna’s parents are recalled to Israel, Danna realizes that she can no longer summon up the image of Remy clearly. Indeed, she has begun to think of her reunion with Dandy with enthusiasm.