Darkness Into Truth In Matt Reese's Novel 'Collaborator Of Bethlehem'

“Out of darkness into truth”. Living in the shadows of society is not away to find ones meaning in life. The truth comes inside a individual as he or she experiences life. In Matt Reese’s novel “ the Collaborator of Bethlehem” Character Omar Yussef is on the journey to find the truth of not only his life but the truth of the real collaborator. Through characters Reese conveys the importance of leaving a positive legacy on the world. In Bethlehem the idea of a lasting legacy is skewed by the corruption and the violence of the government. There is a negative legacy being passed down generation after generation in which the people have been taught not to stand up to the corrupt government. “ Violence and hatred had engulfed Bethlehem and on their heels came poverty, resentment and propaganda(20)”. The people of Bethlehem are enslaved by the negative impacts left behind by the corrupt government. Many people …show more content…
This makes him question every aspect of his life. He believes his teaching career was in vein. He crashes into a deep depression. Doubtful thoughts flood Omar’s head of how his legacy was destroyed because of the death of Saba. “ So much of me will be gone with him”(169). It doesn’t mean his legacy is dead with Saba. It is a part of a cycle which can be started over with a new student. Omar doesn’t fully understand this concept until he is reminded of the black bible which has been handed down from Omar’s dad to Omar himself who he gave it to Saba. This black bible represents the passing on of legacy. No matter what legacy can not be taken away. At this moment he understands the importance of his teaching. If he stops teaching after the death of Saba there is a chance that his wisdom will not be passed down. And the idea of leaving a positive influence on others will die with him. He wont take this risk and will keep on handing down the bible and his legacy to the next