From Library Journal
Yehoshua, one of Israel's major novelists (Five Seasons; Mr. Mani), believes that the moral component of literature demands more attention in the current literary climate. Yehoshua writes that in this time of cultural relativism, literature has the power to show moral development and character change. This leads to the growth of the reader's self-knowledge, which Yehoshua maintains is sometimes available only through literary art. The complex social situations of marriage and guilt are discussed by using the works of Euripedes, Joseph Brenner ("The Way Out," "Nerves"), Fyodor Dostoevsky ("The Eternal Husband"), William Faulkner, and Shmuel Yosef Agnon ("In the Prime of Life"). Other artists discussed are the authors of the Old Testament (Adam and Eve), Albert Camus, and Raymond Carver. Murder, the absurd, and unconscious desire are other moral questions he raises. Yehoshua's close reading and moral commitment makes this an invaluable work. Recommended for literature collections.DGene Shaw NYPL, New York
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