Khirbet Khizeh
Khirbet Khizeh
Book Brief
134
Novella • Fiction
Palestine • 1940s
1949
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Khirbet Khizeh by S. Yizhar follows an unnamed narrator recalling his experiences as an Israeli soldier during the War of Independence when his unit is ordered to evacuate and destroy the Arab village of Khirbet Khizeh. As they carry out their mission, he grapples with guilt and moral conflict about displacing the villagers and the irony of exiling people, reflecting on the transformation of the village and his role in it.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
1,463 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Khirbet Khizeh by S. Yizhar is lauded for its powerful prose and complex portrayal of war, offering a haunting and introspective narrative. Readers appreciate the poetic language and deep moral questions posed. However, some find its pacing slow and the introspection excessive. Overall, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking work on the human condition in conflict.
Who Should Read Khirbet Khizeh?
Readers who appreciate Khirbet Khizeh by S. Yizhar are often drawn to poignant, introspective narratives about war and moral dilemmas, akin to The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. They seek thought-provoking literature that delves into the complexities of human nature and historical conflicts.
1,463 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Khirbet Khizeh was first published in 1949 and is a poignant work by S. Yizhar, who was a member of the Israeli Knesset at the time of its release.
The book gained renewed attention when it was translated into English in 2008, sparking discussions on its historical and philosophical insights.
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Khirbet Khizeh is considered a classic of Israeli literature and is known for its lyrical prose and introspective exploration of human morality.
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134
Novella • Fiction
Palestine • 1940s
1949
Adult
18+ years
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