Hebron Stories

Shami, Yitzhaq. Hebron Stories. Lancaster, California: Labyrinthos, 2003. First edition. Small Quarto. xiv, 234 (3)pp. Original illustrated dustjacket over blue cloth with silver lettering on spine. Unique and important early writer of modern Hebrew literature prior to Israeli statehood. Shami’s characters were either Arabs or Sephardic Jews residing in Palestine. The Palestinian scholar and writer Issa Boullata sees in Shami’s works evidence of a coexistence that vanished. “Of the seven classic Modern Hebrew stories in this volume, three deal with Arabs, four with Sephardic Jews. In the major story of this collection, “The Vengeance of the Fathers,” we follow the course of the hero, Nimmer Abu al-Shawarib, the designated leader of the Nablus Muslims, on their annual pilgrimage to the grave of Nebi Mussa (Moses( in the Jordan valley. His joy is marred by his rivalry with the Hebron leader, Abu Faris, who repeatedly tries to snub him. Overcome by rage and indignation, Nimmer kills his rival and flees the area of the shrine… (Arnold J. Band, introduction). New in publisher’s shrink wrap. Hardcover. (39817) $45