Will iconic images recorded in the grooves of an ancient vase unite the Holy Land or rip it further apart?

THE VASE

A novel by Mark M. DeRobertis

Muhsin Muhabi is a Palestinian potter, descended from a long line of potters. His business is run from the same shop owned by his ancestors since the day his forebears moved to Nazareth. The region's conflict saw the death of his oldest son, and rogue terrorists are in the process of recruiting his youngest in their plot to assassinate the Pope and Israeli prime minister.

Professor Hiram Weiss is an art historian at Nazareth’s Bethel University. He is also a Shin Bet operative on special assignment. With the help of fellow agent, Captain Benny Mathias, he plans to destroy the gang responsible for the death of his wife and only child. He puts a bomb in the ancient vase he takes on loan from Muhsin’s Pottery Shop.

Mary Levin, the charming assistant to the director of Shin Bet, has lost a husband and most of her extended family to recurring wars and never-ending terrorism. She dedicates her life to the preservation of Israel, but to whom will she dedicate her heart? The brilliant professor from Bethel University? Or the gallant captain who now leads Kidon?

Harvey Holmes, the Sherlock of Haunted Houses, is a Hollywood TV host whose reality show just flopped. When a Lebanese restaurant owner requests his ghost-hunting services, he believes the opportunity will resurrect his career. All he has to do is exorcise the ghosts that are haunting the restaurant. It happens to be located right across the street from Muhsin’s Pottery Shop.




Thursday, July 10, 2014

What About Characters in The Vase?

I've talked extensively about actors who would be right for the roles in Killer of Killers. But not so much about my second novel, The Vase. True, I have a permanent spot of text under my blog header that is dedicated to the characters in The Vase, something I don't have for KOK. But I never really talk about which actors could play those parts.

And that's because I really haven't given it much thought. As you can see in that spot under the header, I begin with the character Muhsin Muhabi. And the story actually does begin with him. Muhsin is a forty-something Palestinian potter who owns a pottery shop in the Old City Market in modern day Nazareth, Israel. He works with his 14 year old son, Naji. And the only actor who comes to mind to play the part of Muhsin Muhabi is that guy from the TV show, Lost. Naveen Andrews.

Naveen Andrews-Muhsin Muhabi

Then you have a middle aged Professor Hiram Weiss. When I created him, I had in mind a middle aged Lawrence Olivier. But since he's no longer around, I'm not sure who would work. But that's the image I had in mind. So someone like that.

As for Captain Benny Mathias, well he's got to be someone who conveys a heroic personality. He's a war veteran, and a covert assassin. He heads the Kidon, after all. I haven't been looking for an actor for him, although I'm sure one could be found. I'll keep my eyes open.

What about an actress for Mary Levin? I think most stories should have a beautiful woman, and Mary Levin is just that. Unlike my blond beauties in Killer of Killers, Mary is a raven haired beauty. And right now, I just haven't found the actress for her. But when I do, I'll let you know.

As for Harvey Holmes? That one's easy. As he looks right now, Jim Carrey would be perfect. Harvey Holmes is a comedic character, but takes himself seriously. Jim Carrey would be the one for that role. Stay tuned.


Jim Carrey-Harvey Holmes
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