Author:  Eshkol Nevo

Confessions are good for the soul they say but when you hear the words of the narrator of each story you the reader will decide if these confessions were honest, truthful or just related to ease a person’s conscience knowing that what they did would change the perspective and opinion of the person they were confessing to. Yet when you meet them one floor at a time they will remain unknown to each other until the final floor reveals more. Each story is told by one primary character that narrates what you might want to call confessions to an unknown or unseen person that they feel they can trust with these thoughts.

 In story one or First Floor we met Aron and Aylet who have two young children Yaeli and Ofri the oldest. Both children are unique in their own ways but for some reason Ofri seems more astute, aware of people’s differences and her understanding of the world seems more adult and cultured than her parents. Parents need someone to watch their children and Ruth and Herman became like grandparents to Ofri who enjoyed being with them. Ofri seemed smart, astute and never really threw tantrums or was difficult, her sister the opposite. But, signs of memory loss and other habits lead Aylet and Aron to realize that Herman might not be stable enough to watch their daughter alone. But, Aylet must attend a spin class and as a result she thinks it will be okay for ten minutes until Ruth returns to leave Ofri with Herman.

Mistakes are made and retribution sought as Ofri and Herman disappear, the police are called but Aron figures out where they are. For reasons that lead them to believe that Herman might have done something wrong to Ofri she is subjected to an exam at the hospital, he is placed in a facility and Ofri’s only words are HERMAN IS BROKEN. But, within Aron’s confession the final reveal will be after Herman passes away, the funeral is held and someone close to his family shows up with more lies, betrayals and Aron falls prey to the wiles of this person and the final outcome might take everything he loves away.

Let’s take the elevator to the second floor and meet Hani who is confessing her sins and thoughts to her friend Netta in a letter. Hani is married with two children and is discontent with her life. Her husband Assaf is always away on business leaving her to tend to the children and wanting some excitement in her life. In walks her brother in law Eviatar who is charismatic, crafty and who sells real estate but whose in debt to this clients, loan sharks and making small investments in order to increase his cash flow. In debt, being hunted he hoped she would take him in because he knew that Assaf was not home. So, knowing the truth why did she allow a criminal to stay in her home?

Lyri and Nimrod her two children seemed attached to him from the moment he got them ready for school the next day, prepared their lunches and even understood about Lyri’s imaginary friend, Andrea. Telling them bedtime stories and watching him with her children Hani began to feel something she’s been missing in her life for a long time and that wants someone to be closer to her. Revealing what happened when Eviator called Assaf and was rejected by him for help might it more alluring and tempting for Hani to defy him and allow Eviator into her life. Moral values are challenged on the first two floors and the end result might change the dynamics of yet another family if the truth comes out.

If Assaf read her letter the author reveals how he might answer some of the charges against him stated by Hani. The biggest revelation is his perception of how she deals with her children and why she criticizes him for being a poor father yet he would say the opposite not being allowed to get close to them. Who’s telling the truth? Hani wants more in her life and work seems like one viable solution is Eviatar the second? Some confessions are just on paper and written to atone sins and allow the person to feel vindicated.

Let’s take the final trip to the third floor and meet a retired judge that might connect all of the dots. Her confessions are recanted to her late husband, Michael as she speaks to him at his gravesite. Living in Tel Aviv and seeing the country overflowing with tents, people protesting about wages and poor conditions she decides to join the movement. Meeting these people and living with them in a tent for days changes her perspective on many things and being a judge it allows her to help them circumvent certain legalities by helping them with forms and legislation that needs to be reviewed and passed.

Asner Ashdot is an enigma at first and meets Devora as a result of her joining the social movement. Paying attention to her, revealing little tidbits about her interests, likes and dislikes you begin to wonder how he knows so much about someone he just met. Devora has always done everything Michael’s way dealing with their recalcitrant son, Adar, having to accept that he is no longer in contact with them. Remembering their argument about not helping him when convicted on charges of manslaughter.  Avner Ashdot has the answers and when he brings Devora to face her son what will the interaction be? Author Eshkol Nevo weaves three intricate different yet similar stories of three people within the crossroads of their lives dealing with deceits, lies, betrayal, morals questioned and hoping that someday no one will learn the truths about what really happened as you the reader climb: THREE FLOORS UP!