Dr. Michael J. Cooper is a retired pediatric cardiologist and acclaimed author whose journey blends healing with storytelling.
Dr. Michael J. Cooper’s life story is not just about healing hearts in a medical sense; it’s also about healing divides in one of the world’s most complex and historically rich regions. As a retired pediatric cardiologist, humanitarian, and author, Dr. Cooper has spent decades not only treating children with life-threatening heart conditions but also dedicating his life to fostering compassion and reconciliation in the Middle East.
Born in Berkeley, California, in 1948, Dr. Cooper emigrated to Israel in 1966, an experience that shaped his identity and worldview. He arrived during the final year of Jerusalem’s division between Israel and Jordan. Immersed in a Zionist upbringing, his move to Israel was filled with purpose, driven by a deep sense of connection to the Holy Land. His time in Israel laid the foundation for his future career as a physician, but it was also during these formative years that Dr. Cooper met Palestinians, young men and women who shared his passion for the land and its future, despite their differing backgrounds and perspectives.
The Journey from Medicine to Writing
After returning to the U.S. for specialty medical training, Dr. Cooper embarked on a four-decade-long career as a pediatric cardiologist. While his medical work was fulfilling, he continued to visit Israel frequently, volunteering in Palestinian communities and offering his medical expertise to children who otherwise lacked access to healthcare. It was during these medical missions that his commitment to reconciliation deepened, and his belief in the power of storytelling as a tool for peace began to take root.
In the mid-1990s, Dr. Cooper’s life took a significant turn. The assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 profoundly affected him, sparking a desire to tell stories about the Middle East that went beyond politics and conflict. His fiction, grounded in historical fact, sought to explore the personal experiences of individuals caught in the turbulence of history. Dr. Cooper began writing novels of historical fiction, an outlet for his passions and insights into the region’s deep-seated tensions and its potential for peaceful coexistence.
A Writer’s Breakthrough
Cooper’s debut novel, Foxes in the Vineyard, set against the backdrop of 1948 Jerusalem, earned him the Grand Prize in the 2011 Indie Publishing Contest. The story of espionage, love, and intrigue captured the spirit of a time when the region was in the throes of monumental change. But it was his second novel, Wages of Empire, set during WWI in Ottoman Palestine, that cemented his status as a major voice in historical fiction. The novel won the prestigious 2022 CIBA Rossetti Award for YA fiction, along with first-place honors in the 2022 CIBA Hemingway Award for Wartime Historical Fiction. His follow-up, Crossroads of Empire, continued his exploration of the Middle East’s turbulent history, winning the 2023 First Place CIBA Hemingway Award.
Both novels were recognized for their intricate storytelling and unique perspective on the Middle East’s complex history. These books not only portrayed the historical struggles of the region but also illustrated how the human experience transcends political and religious divides. Cooper’s work touches on themes of identity, conflict, and, ultimately, hope. The characters in his novels are not mere victims or victors, they are human beings navigating their way through challenging times with empathy and understanding.
His new book, The Rabbi’s Knight, released in September 2025 is set in 13th-century Jerusalem at the twilight of the Crusades, and continues this tradition of exploring the intersection of faith, culture, and identity. It has already won the BookFest First Place Award for historical fiction, and promises to be another landmark in Cooper’s literary journey.
The Power of Historical Fiction
Cooper’s novels stand out not only for their historical accuracy but for the moral threads that run through them. His work is not merely about recounting events, it’s about creating a bridge between cultures. His books encourage readers to understand the shared history of Jews, Muslims, and Christians in the Holy Land, offering a vision for peace and coexistence.
The human dimension of Cooper’s writing is where his work truly resonates. His fictional and historical characters, whether they are soldiers, spies, or ordinary citizens, are defined not just by their affiliations but by their struggles and desires. He crafts characters who, like the people he met during his years in Israel, seek connection and understanding. This human element is what sets his books apart in a genre often focused solely on action and adventure.
Beyond the Page: A Life of Reconciliation
Dr. Cooper’s writing is not just an academic exercise or an artistic pursuit, it is the culmination of a life spent bridging divides. His volunteer work in Palestine and his ongoing connections with Israeli and Palestinian communities are the bedrock of his creative work. As a storyteller, he uses the power of narrative to promote empathy and healing.
His writing career has been enriched by his deep understanding of the region’s people, politics, and cultures. Cooper is more than a writer; he is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Through his novels, he speaks to the possibility of a future where, despite the challenges of history, peace and coexistence are achievable. According to Cooper, “History is not just a record of wars and conflicts; it is a tapestry of human experiences. Through storytelling, we can bring these stories to life, teaching the lessons of the past to guide us toward a more compassionate future.”
Michael J. Cooper’s novels are a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Middle East’s history and the universal themes of human connection and reconciliation. His work is an invitation to explore the complexities of the past through the lens of compelling characters and thrilling narratives.
To learn more about Michael J. Cooper and his books, visit his website here or connect with him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X.
