This novel concerns itself with the frailties and variety of human nature, and looks at the ambivalences in marriage, family, fanaticism and political terror. The novel mirrors the social, political and religious complexities of life in Israel today. Amos Oz is one of Israel's foremost writers. Born in Jerusalem in l939, he is author of My Michael which was filmed, Touch the Water, Touch the Wind, The Hill of Evil Counsel, In the Land of Israel, and A Perfect Peace. He lives in Arad in Israel.