Durban author tackles conflict and hope
Author Jay Volek says he is confident his book Love At War makes for a great read.
The book is semi-autobiographical and follows the adventures of chief protagonist, David Oppenheim, a recent university graduate trying his luck out on the professional tennis circuit (much against his father’s wishes).
His world is turned upside down when he is drawn into a world of conflict in his hometown of Durban. He is forced to choose between his love for the beautiful Shakira Mahomedy and his loyalty to his people, the Jewish nation. This all plays out between his emotional home of Durban, the French Open tennis championships in Paris and his ancestral home of Israel.
The big question is how will he as a young man handle his inner conflicts. Will he be able to stay true to his own morals and conscience while navigating these challenges? Is it love or war?
According to Volek, 56, it took him three months to complete the book. He began writing it in the beginning of January 2024, and the first draft was submitted for editing in April. The book was published by Amazon at the end of June 2024.
He said his love for reading and writing was inspired from the age of five by his older sister, Dr Sharman Wickham, who was then a university student and majored in English and history.
“It is probably why I won the reading and writing prizes at Penzance Primary School the first couple years.
“She developed a hunger for reading and knowledge in me. I have always been a creative thinker and this book had been on my bucket list for many years. At the end of 2023, I decided to put it into action. Living in such a multicultural country and having experienced the horrors of apartheid, I thought it would make for a great story…and not just for South Africans. It also came at a time after I had sold my AV distribution business of 27 years and needed to reignite my creative juices,” said Volek.
He said he encountered a minor challenge while writing the book.
“The book deals with some contentious issues, especially for South Africa, like interracial and interfaith relationships. I had to be mindful of offending some readers but at the same time, not being disingenuous with some of the hard truths.
“Apart from that, I found the writing of the book quite an easy, smooth process. In fact, I really enjoyed it,” said Volek.
He said that although the book dealt with certain complex issues, he was of the view that it would appeal to a wide readership.
“It covers so many areas from the Palestine-Israel conflict, religion, tennis, relationships and a whole lot more. It should be essential reading for all Durbanites and especially those of Jewish and Muslim backgrounds. I think anyone from young adults to older, retired people will enjoy it,” said Volek.
Volek was born and raised in Durban. He has been living in Sandton, Johannesburg, for 22 years and is relocating to San Diego, Carlifornia, next month.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in accounting, business and inance, from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
The married father of two has kept himself busy by developing two other businesses ‒ one of a complex smart speaker project for global distribution, and another of an alternative therapy/organic oils wellness space.
He shared a message for humanity.
“I have found the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians so sad, especially since October 7. It has brought out so much hatred and antisemitism between two peoples who are first cousins.
“It would be wonderful if people could see there is hope for peace and love to exist between them. In fact, love can conquer anything,” said Volek.