May book: Judas by Amos Oz

Judas 
by Amos Oz

(Discussion led by BC)




Some background links to get you started:

• Judas by Amos Oz – review | Books | The Guardian

• Judas, Jesus and Politics: Amos Oz's New Novel - The New York Times

• 'Judas': Amos Oz's new book is a gospel of betrayal - Books - Haaretz ...

• Judas: Amos Oz compares villain to modern Israel and Palestine (The Australian)

• Judas by Amos Oz review — across the line - Financial Times

• In the novel 'Judas,' Amos Oz wrestles with Jewish attitudes toward ... (The Washington Post) 

• Interview: Amos Oz, Author Of 'Judas' : NPR

• Amos Oz Believes Trump Doesn't Have a Idea of Mideast Policy ... (Speigel) 

What we discussed about the book:

• The themes of treachery and loyalty - how were they explored?
• Are traitors always bad?
• What do we know about Judas? 
• The juxtaposition of Atalia's story with that of Judas
• The language devices used - e.g. repetition of phrases
• How the book interweaves the personal and the political
• What did the stray cats and dogs represent?

Then we were distracted to discuss: 

• A potted history of Israel/Palestine
• The current politics of the Middle East 
• The mechanics of the two-state solution
• Are there any conflicts in the world that don't have an element of religion as a factor?
• How appropriate are the 10 commandments today? Are they all applicable to our lives?

And in other news we chatted about: 

• The hierachy of Victorian skifields - where does Mt Buller sit in that heirachy?
• The similarities and differences between Greek biscuits and Scottish ones. 
• Issues the ACCC should be investigating

Ratings

Range: 5 to 7.5

Average: 6.63