In 'Judas', acclaimed author Amos Oz weaves a poignant tale set in 1959 Jerusalem, exploring themes of betrayal, love, and faith. The protagonist, Shmuel, becomes embroiled in a complex relationship with a woman and her enigmatic husband, leading him to confront his own beliefs and doubts. As the story unfolds, Shmuel grapples with the historical figure of Judas Iscariot and his legacy, prompting readers to reconsider the nature of treachery and redemption. With its rich character development and philosophical depth, the novel invites readers on a journey through the tumultuous landscape of the human spirit. Prepare for a thought-provoking exploration that challenges conventional notions of loyalty and sacrifice.
By Amos Oz
Published: 2016
""To know everything is to forgive everything; the heart is a complex mechanism that requires both intelligence and empathy to truly understand.""
International Bestseller Winner of the International Literature Prize Finalist for the Man Booker International Prize A New York Times Editors' Choice " A] magnificent novel . . . Oz pitches the book's heartbreak and humanism perfectly from first page to last." -- New York Times Book Review "Scintillating . . . An old-fashioned novel of ideas that is strikingly and compellingly modern." -- Observer Jerusalem, 1959. Shmuel Ash, a biblical scholar, is adrift in his young life when he finds work as a caregiver for a brilliant but cantankerous old man named Gershom Wald. There is, however, a third, mysterious presence in his new home. Atalia Abravanel, the daughter of a deceased Zionist leader, a beautiful woman in her forties, entrances young Shmuel even as she keeps him at a distance. Piece by piece, the old Jerusalem stone house, haunted by tragic history and now home to the three misfits and their intricate relationship, reveals its secrets. At once an exquisite love story and a coming-of-age novel, an allegory for the state of Israel and for the biblical tale from which it draws its title, Judas is Amos Oz's most powerful novel in decades. "Oz has written one of the most triumphant novels of his career." -- Forward "A big] beautiful novel . . . Funny, wise, and provoking." -- Times (UK)
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“"To know everything is to forgive everything; the heart is a complex mechanism that requires both intelligence and empathy to truly understand."”
Judas
By Amos Oz
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Amos Oz (1939-2018) was an acclaimed Israeli writer, journalist, and intellectual, widely regarded as one of Israel's most prominent literary figures. His notable works include 'My Michael,' 'A Tale of Love and Darkness,' and 'The Same Sea,' which explore themes of identity, love, and the complexities of Israeli society. Oz's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose, emotional depth, and nuanced character portrayals. He was also a vocal advocate for peace and dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, which informed much of his literary and political work.
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