To rendezvous with her archeologist fiance in Jordan, Barbara Vaughn must first pass through the Mandelbaum Gate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandelbaum_Gate), which divides strife-torn Jerusalem. A half-jewish convert to Catholicism, an Englishwoman of strong and stubborn convictions, Barbara will not be dissuaded from her ill-timed pilgrimage despite a very real threat of bodily harm and the fearful admonishments of staid British diplomat Freddy Hamilton.
Spark (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muriel_Spark and http://www.muriel-spark.com/) published this novel in 1965.
400 pages in Virago paperback edition
ISBN 978-1844089666
Muriel Spark