Amos Oz

Amos Oz is Israel’s best-known novelist and a strong political voice. He has written 27 books. Among these, his memoir A Tale of Love and Darkness (2003) explored his childhood and his mother’s suicide.

His latest book is Rhyming Life and Death.

Two exchanges from his Q & A with Anna Metcalfe of the Financial Times:

What book changed your life?

Initially the Bible, as it was my first encounter with stories. Later it was a story collection by [American writer] Sherwood Anderson called Winesburg, Ohio which opened my eyes to subject matter that could be found even in the tiniest place.

* * *

Who are your literary influences?

The great 19th-century Russians, especially Chekhov, Sherwood Anderson, William Faulkner and [Israeli author] Shai Agnon.

Read the complete Q & A.

--Marshal Zeringue