Author Description

At their early teens two girls were forced to sit in school together and share the same desk. While being complete opposites, they soon shared similar experiences, hopes and dreams, slowly becoming best friends, against all expectations. Until a war breaks and threatens their long lasting relationship, throwing the two young women into opposite sides of a large-scale conflict. Will their friendship last? And could they overcome mistakes that are unforgivable? "Kis-Lev has created the kind of friendship that is not superficial, silly, or a plot sideline, but private, deep, and more real than anything else. It will make your heart sing." -The Monthly YOU Reader "Wonderful... A wry, sharply observed tale of both heroism and coming-of-age-story during one of the darkest times in humanity." -Nadia Joels, The Bookreview Club "Compulsively readable... Kis-Lev establishes himself as a distinctively contemporary literary voice. His dialogue resounds, and his humor gives texture to the prose."-Dr. John Vitals, author and speaker "Biting, brilliant exploration of a female friendship from the eyes of a sensitive man. And though The Two Marias focuses on young women, readers need be neither young nor female in order to enjoy it..."-Alison Kahn, Peace For The Future "Riveting... More than an exploration of friendship, this novel is about what happens when the things we take for granted slip away and we are forced to test our inner strength." -Joan Kelvin, author The Secret Inside "The Two Marias is a slim, sometimes piercing novel... Kis-Lev's hyperaware voice lends the story poignancy and shades of relatability."-Laila Hoja, The Book Reviewer "Set in WWII war-torn Europe, young Helena and Maria struggle to do what is right, in a world where cruelty is the norm. Never boring... this book is a pageturner." -Joel Springfield, speaker and author "The novel's depiction of the dynamics of friendship-how there's often affection and admir