Lisa Herman's second novel, Border Crossing, is a sensuous story of the Middle East. Arlene, an American, Daniel, the son of Holocaust survivors and Mussa, a Palestinian, are together on a secluded beach in Egypt. All three are Israelis. As they explore the intricate emotional balance that exists between them, the two men and the woman are forced to confront the violence of their harsh environment. Both the lyrical quality of Border Crossing and its sharply drawn protagonists create a unique glimpse into the psychological realities of this tormented area - the "cradle of civilization".