Q&A with Yariv Inbar

 

 

 

Yariv Inbar is the author of the new novel Behind the Trigger. He also has written the novel Operation Bethlehem. Yariv Inbar is the pseudonym of a former Israeli intelligence officer. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write Behind the Trigger, and how did you create your characters Irit and Noor?

 

A: It all started when I stumbled upon an Israeli bestseller that compiled monologues from women of all ages and backgrounds. The stories, based on real interviews and experiences, caught my attention, and I felt compelled to read it.

 

What I found was eye-opening and unsettling – some of the stories deeply shook me, and I realized there were dangers in the world that I hadn't fully grasped. As a father of two daughters, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to explore this issue and understand it better, to protect them.

 

One thing led to another, and the heart of this book revolves around a subject I find impossible to ignore. I felt a duty to break it down and present it to readers in a way that's accessible and engaging, much like I've done in my other works.

 

In this book, the espionage storyline serves as the backdrop for introducing readers to topics they might not otherwise seek out. I see this as a calling.

 

Creating the characters of Irit and Noor was not an easy task at all, but it was very rewarding and challenging. In my previous books, the protagonists were men, which made it easier for me to step into their shoes, though this is never simple.

 

This time, I had to consider which characters would best serve the story. I decided on having two female main characters, not just one. Irit is an Israeli of Russian descent, and Noor is Syrian.

 

The personal worlds of Irit and Noor are very different from my own, so I had to research and learn a lot before I began writing—both about women and about different cultural traits. Their roles in the world of espionage were the easier part for me.

 

When I heard more and more from female readers that they felt as if a woman had written the novel, I knew I had succeeded.

 

Q: How would you describe the dynamic between them?

 

A: The dynamic between Noor and Irit is very special and complex, and it also changes throughout the story.

 

Initially, from Irit's perspective, Noor is an object that needs to be recruited as an intelligence asset for Israeli intelligence. She is supposed to act purposefully, identify Noor's weaknesses to manipulate and exploit her. She is not meant to use emotion, only rationality.

 

Noor is in a very sensitive and emotionally turbulent phase of her life at this point, and she sees Irit as a close friend and is unaware of the conspiracy behind her back. As they grow closer, Irit starts to develop empathy and sympathy for Noor.

 

As with any relationship between a handler and their asset, there is a fragile dynamic of dependence, boundary testing, exploitation, and, in their specific case, also for Irit — not just for Noor.

 

Q: Did you need to do any research to write the novel, and if so, did you learn anything that surprised you?

 

A: Of course. The book was originally written in Hebrew over four years, and it took so long partly because I had to study and research extensively.

 

It covers deep topics like psychology, trauma and post-trauma, sexual abuse, infertility, and more. I spoke with many women and psychologists and read a lot of professional material.

 

What surprised me the most was learning in depth about the phenomenon called dissociation and everything related to it.

 

Q: What do you think the novel says about the role of women in the espionage field?

 

A: In reality, women play a significant role in the world of espionage on both sides of the fence. I know this firsthand and can confidently say that there are intelligence specialties where women are simply better or more suited than men. Everyone involved in intelligence recognizes this.

 

Unfortunately, in literature, television, and movies, the role of women is not highlighted enough, and when it is, it often falls into stereotypical roles of the beautiful and seductive spy. It was very important to me to create something different - authentic and as close to reality as possible.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: For the first time for me, I'm going to write a novel based on a real-life event — the pager operation that captured the world's attention. After reader requests poured in via social media and email, I decided to explore this subject.

 

I think what truly captivates readers is the idea of what might have been happening behind the scenes of such a historic, groundbreaking operation. I believe there are many compelling human stories to tell — the personal moments and decisions that led to an incredible success that genuinely amazed the world.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: It's not an easy thing to be an Israeli writer in the world today. Not even a Jewish writer. I believe culture and literature serve as bridges to learn about others and to realize that, in the end, we are all quite similar.

 

So are Irit and Noor—seemingly enemies, but in reality, they are two women searching for the same basic things in life.

 

And maybe one more thing—there is nothing more rewarding for me than hearing from my readers about their reading experiences. Please don’t hesitate to write to me.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Yariv Inbar.