asainspace's review
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Clever, compelling, strange.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Death of parent and Death
Minor: Antisemitism and Islamophobia
leda's review
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
fevi's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
O meu primeiro contato com a literatura produzida por Amós Oz foi bem interessante. As reflexões e as provocações sobre traição, cristianismo, judaísmo, a formação do Estado de Israel e guerra contra árabes foram particularmente instigantes e bastantes provocativas. Trouxe momentos para poder tecer minhas próprias meditações sobre os assuntos abordados. Quanto ao estímulo provocativo não tem como negar que o autor entrega uma obra excelente. No entanto, a parte da construção dos personagens foi mal explorada. Eles possuem as suas peculiaridades e questões, mas não há um envolvimento forte ou explanação que nós envolvam. Já encontramos personagens machucados e reclusos em suas dores e apatias. O que nos é dado não é suficiente para um acolhimento.
Enfim, é um livro bem escrito, interessante, provocativo e com ótimos pontos para discussões, mas peca em nos aproximar dos personagens. Gostei do primeiro contato e pretendo ler outros textos do autor.
Enfim, é um livro bem escrito, interessante, provocativo e com ótimos pontos para discussões, mas peca em nos aproximar dos personagens. Gostei do primeiro contato e pretendo ler outros textos do autor.
kiia_josefiina's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
dbellvm's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
miromo's review
4.0
Academic, brutal, and tender
This book definitely requires contexts which I lacked; however, this has sparked my curiosity to do further research on a variety of topics including views of Jesus in various religions, the role of Judas, and histories and politics of various communities of Israel. While many of the political and religious debates went over my head in this novel, I was still able to enjoy it. I found each of the characters to be intriguing and eccentric in their own ways and the plot was relatively easy to follow. Oz’s quippy writing style was outstanding—it brought life to the book and kept me engaged. I appreciated that, while he was tackling intense topics, he did not take himself too seriously or hesitate to poke fun at his characters! This books covers a lot of very serious and academic topics and Oz still manages to make it both entertaining and meaningful. I will definitely be revisiting this book when I am older and wiser.
This book definitely requires contexts which I lacked; however, this has sparked my curiosity to do further research on a variety of topics including views of Jesus in various religions, the role of Judas, and histories and politics of various communities of Israel. While many of the political and religious debates went over my head in this novel, I was still able to enjoy it. I found each of the characters to be intriguing and eccentric in their own ways and the plot was relatively easy to follow. Oz’s quippy writing style was outstanding—it brought life to the book and kept me engaged. I appreciated that, while he was tackling intense topics, he did not take himself too seriously or hesitate to poke fun at his characters! This books covers a lot of very serious and academic topics and Oz still manages to make it both entertaining and meaningful. I will definitely be revisiting this book when I am older and wiser.
bkish's review against another edition
5.0
extra extraordinary book by the great Israeli writer Amos Oz. This was recently translated to english by Nicholas deLange.
evvahoo's review against another edition
5.0
another brilliant book that I have read recently. I liked the way the characters were created, the stories behind each of them. the reader gets a profound insight into Israeli history and thoughts behind the relationship between Jews and Christians. it is also brilliantly written - incisive, concise but beautiful and poignant at times (never cheesy in the slightest though).
meritm's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I dont give a shit about Shmuel or Atalja (and even less about their [ew] relationship). I'm rating this 4 stars exclusively for my man Gershin, the politics and the theories about Judas. The other stuff is just mostly there to pretend that this is a fiction book. The topics debated are so interesting and both sides are represented really well (especially when it comes to recognizing that your child died in 'vain' i.e. in a war that did not solve anything). I've never thought about Judas before so that's nice I guess. Also the story keeps drawing parallels between Judas and the modern-day reality. It made me think back to Israel a lot, so I'm nostalgic now :(