Years ago, when I first read this wonderfully written story I thought what Tuvia did was impossible. Now, after reading the cover story in last week's Sunday NYT Magazine about how dogs may have cognitive abilities, I'm a believer in Tuvia. And, of course, Etgar.
This is absolutely one of my favourite Keret stories of all time. The Nimrod Flipout was the first book of yours I ever read... I was 22 and travelling around the world and I had it with me. Fatso, Shooting Tuvia, Surprise Egg, Halibut, Gur's Theory of Boredom... those stories all blew my mind.
It’s difficult to understand us Israelis, specially to people who visit for the first time. How can you explain to a tourist that even in times of tragedies like now, Israelis travel, eat in restaurants and have fun in general?
Omg what a story! What an ending!!! Reminded me a little of “pet cemetery” and I liked how the boy indeed didn’t really blame his dad…
What you said before the story - that too rings true to me. When I lived in israel through intifadas and wars, I felt like it was no big deal. And the rest of the world were “wimps” who never had to deal with such violence. But now, living abroad for over 20 years- I can’t believe the way I lived and even a short visit is enough to crush my spirit…:(. We don’t deserve to live this way. I hope our govt will realize this and wage peace instead of war.
They say that endings should be both surprising and inevitable. Well, oh my god, you did both here. Loved this story so much. Thank you for the happy ending.
What's with the cruel dog stories? Second in a month. Is violence the only way to solve things? People who mistreat animals very often mistreat people.
My god … this both broke me and strengthened me multiple times (I guess … like Tuvia … and the boy he loved). I am not intending to be flattering or sycophantic in what I am about to say: I think this particular story, along with your introduction and the times in which we are living should be considered within a cannon of great literature to be known, thought about and studied, including at that wildly indulgent yet important PhD level. This is not merely a short story you’ve written (and attributed), but a profound allegory that begs for a deep semiotic dive. If there were a Yeshiva inspired by the writings of Etgar Keret, I would want to study there. This story will never leave me. Toda. (And also, how could you?! But toda. Raba.)
Tenacity!
Years ago, when I first read this wonderfully written story I thought what Tuvia did was impossible. Now, after reading the cover story in last week's Sunday NYT Magazine about how dogs may have cognitive abilities, I'm a believer in Tuvia. And, of course, Etgar.
This is absolutely one of my favourite Keret stories of all time. The Nimrod Flipout was the first book of yours I ever read... I was 22 and travelling around the world and I had it with me. Fatso, Shooting Tuvia, Surprise Egg, Halibut, Gur's Theory of Boredom... those stories all blew my mind.
It’s difficult to understand us Israelis, specially to people who visit for the first time. How can you explain to a tourist that even in times of tragedies like now, Israelis travel, eat in restaurants and have fun in general?
Oof. My god. What a story. Such writing. Etgar, you are a gift.
Omg what a story! What an ending!!! Reminded me a little of “pet cemetery” and I liked how the boy indeed didn’t really blame his dad…
What you said before the story - that too rings true to me. When I lived in israel through intifadas and wars, I felt like it was no big deal. And the rest of the world were “wimps” who never had to deal with such violence. But now, living abroad for over 20 years- I can’t believe the way I lived and even a short visit is enough to crush my spirit…:(. We don’t deserve to live this way. I hope our govt will realize this and wage peace instead of war.
So beautiful so sad such love
They say that endings should be both surprising and inevitable. Well, oh my god, you did both here. Loved this story so much. Thank you for the happy ending.
You must know of the politician in the US who bragged about shooting her dog while her kids were at school. It was to demonstrate her toughness.
This story was hard to read even with the happy ending.
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/kristi-noem-used-troops-for-border-protection-but-not-for-flood-aid-at-home/
That really connected. Heartbreaking and joyous. Resilience and submission. Love and anger. So much to think about.
„Wanderer, there is no way.
You make the way as you walk
and when you look back
you will see a path that never you will walk again.“
This is what the Chilean journalist Nelson Flores sticked to my kitchen cupboard, back in 1980. RiP.
What's with the cruel dog stories? Second in a month. Is violence the only way to solve things? People who mistreat animals very often mistreat people.
My god … this both broke me and strengthened me multiple times (I guess … like Tuvia … and the boy he loved). I am not intending to be flattering or sycophantic in what I am about to say: I think this particular story, along with your introduction and the times in which we are living should be considered within a cannon of great literature to be known, thought about and studied, including at that wildly indulgent yet important PhD level. This is not merely a short story you’ve written (and attributed), but a profound allegory that begs for a deep semiotic dive. If there were a Yeshiva inspired by the writings of Etgar Keret, I would want to study there. This story will never leave me. Toda. (And also, how could you?! But toda. Raba.)
Now I want the story where pesachzon keeps coming back from the field and the dad doesn't make the kid smash him anymore.
¿Pezachzon?
Thank you very much for this hint, Shaked Koplewitz: lots of joy by
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MrXLy0RQLME
I have never heard of this! Thank you for sharing.
I should write this one🧠
Discovering your writing on Substack has been an unexpected gift. Thank you.