When we welcome to a new year, unfortunately Amos Oz could not have seen the first light of 2019 as he passed away on 28 Dec last year. A wonderful Israeli writer and intellectual, he did not only publish 40 books in his life time but also Oz was the first Israelis writer to advocate peace resolution- two state solution for Israeli-Palestinian conflict for the past half century.

Oz ‘was the author of 40 books, including novels, short story collections, children’s books, and essays, and his work has been published in 45 languages, more than that of any other Israeli writer. He was the recipient of many honours and awards, among them the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, the Legion of Honour of France, the Israel Prize, the Goethe Prize, the Prince of Asturias Award in Literature, the Heinrich Heine Prize, and the Franz Kafka Prize.’ (Wikipedia)

Oz is regarded as one of “Israel’s most prolific writers and respected intellectuals”, as The New York Times worded it in an obituary.’ (Wikipedia)

Judging a writer, the best way is to read his works and look his career. Oz was a journalist and a political activist. He spoke his voice and options in particularly regarding the middle east conflict.

Writing is about stories, stories of the places, of identity, of conflict, of people and families, etc. Oz’s works have been translated into 49 languages and read by millions. Oz said “If I were to sum up my books in one word, I would say they are about ‘families’. If you gave me two words, I would say ‘unhappy families’.”

For those who are interested in reading his books you can borrow from City of Parramatta Library.