Black Box

by Amos Oz

Book Overview

Seven years after their divorce, Ilana breaks the bitter silence with a letter to Alex, a world-renowned authority on fanaticism, begging for help with their rebellious adolescent son, Boaz. One... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679721851
• ISBN13: 9780679721857
• Release Date: March 1989
• Publisher: Vintage Books USA
• Length: 259 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

This book lives in my personal Olympus...

and that is not a crowded place! "Black box" is certainly one of the best ten books I have read. It is masterfully written (surviving a translation to Portuguese well enough to be appreciated by a native Spanish speaker is already something), it is a pleasure to read, it makes you smile, and tears your heart and, above all, makes you think. I have never seen a better portrait of human complexity. The book solely consists of letters exchanged between five people: ex-husband, ex-wife, current husband, son of the first marriage and lawyer. Most of them lie most of the time, and there is nobody there to sort things out for you... same as in real life!

The Marvelous Land of Oz!

I first became aware of Amos Oz as an Israeli intellectual of the left who is a proponent of reconcliation and peace. I knew he was a well known author, but had read none of his work until I finally picked up this fine book that delicately examines forces operating within Israel even as the author tells the compelling story of a man and woman who were unable to sustain their relationship as husband and wife.The husband, Alex, is a stunted human being, unable to sustain intimacy yet fully capable of leading Israeli soldiers in battle. Illana, the former wife and mother of a child who becomes centerpiece of their renewed relationship, is a passionate woman who has found solace in the arms of an immigrant who is committed to his religious faith and equally absorbed in the opportunities to make a profit under the umbrella of occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.The title "Black Box" comes from the device found in airplanes which become the source of information when there has been a crash. Illana initiates contact with Alex after years of separation out of concern for their son, but as their correspondence continues, it becomes clear that both parties are trying to understand the failure of their relationship. In fact, the entire story is told through indirect communication in letters, telegrams and scholarly footnotes.I'll say no more about the story so the reader may discover for him or herself the feelings of the main characters and where those feelings lead them. But I encourage readers to note the play between the second husband and his enthusiasm for building upon his faith and the opportunities created by sudden wealth and the first husband who is re-examining the whole arc of his life. These two men represent the forces presently at conflict in Israel where the right continues its self-righteous mission of taking control of the land while the left ponders the wisdom of the actions of their country's leaders during the first six decades of Israel's existence.Amos Oz writes beautifully! I look forward to reading more from the land of Oz.

Letters,Love and Longing

Mr. Oz manages to tell a story of great passion without a hint of sentimentality. He sets this amazing story within the political context of 1970-s Israel and perfectly places each character within this scene. The characters in this novel are memorable for their failings as much as their strengths. Brilliantly writing in each of their voices, Oz reveals their ties, lies and love for each other. I encourage everyone to read this beautifully written book of letters from a truly gifted author.

A marvelous story about fictional people

One of Oz's greatest creations, in my humble opinion. The charchters are described sharply, without mercy, showing the different faces of the Israeli society. The cruelness that covers their words hides the true pain they feel. The cheating wife, the arrogent Husband, the rebeller son, the Zionist - aall hurt themselves and their beloved ones in their strugle for existence in a mercyless country, our country.

Very amazing story-telling

A very unique book. Once you get into it you just cannot leave the plot. I first read it, three month ago - and Just last week finished the second reading. If you want to know a new world of people and the life of a family that will make your day - this is the book for you.