"Zohar and the Fox-girl" is the story of a young American intelligence officer who is forced to make a decision during the Korean war that will follow him for the rest of his life. But it is not a war story, for the war is only the stage in which the tale is set. Love is the theme. But love can come in different forms that might conflict with each other. The story has fantasy but is not science fiction, for its magical metaphors are literary devices within a tale of love and sadness. With a little reimagination the reader might see some of his or her own conflicts. All the while, lurking behind the scenes, are the Korean god, Hanunim, and the Korean devil, the Magwee. They have made a Jobian bet on what Zohar might do if given a second chance. A magic mountain, a god, a devil, and a fierce love affair are mixed with history and myth. In the Hebrew language Sefer Zohar means "Book of Splendor" and that translation fits well for our protagonist is a writer. The novel opens with two old men fighting over anything and everything that comes along. But it is soon apparent that they are the best of friends. And by the end of the story their friendship is brought full circle by the telling of Zohar's story. For Sefer Zohar wants all the world to hear of his sadness and his love. The Fox-girl's story must not simply go away. But Zohar cannot bear to write it himself, so his old friend sets out to tell of Zohar and the Fox-girl within a book of splendor.
