Yaakov Shabtai

Yaakov Shabtai (1934–1981) was an Israeli author, playwright, and translator. He is best known for his novel 'Past Continuous' (Zikhron Devarim), which was originally published in Hebrew in 1977. The novel is notable for its stream-of-consciousness style and its intricate depiction of the lives of three friends in Tel Aviv. Shabtai's work is celebrated for its rich language and its exploration of themes such as love, death, and the mundane aspects of everyday life.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Past Continuous

    The novel is a rich and intricate tapestry of life in Israel during the 1970s, following the intertwined lives of three men—Cecil, Goldman, and Israel—who are grappling with existential crises after the death of their friend, Yehuda. The narrative delves deeply into their personal histories, relationships, and the complex web of their social milieu, painting a vivid portrait of urban Israeli society. Through a stream-of-consciousness style, the book explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world marked by political turmoil and cultural change, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition.

    The 7863rd Greatest Book of All Time