The People of the Book and the Camera: Photography in the Hebrew Novel

Amihay's groundbreaking study explores the powerful subversive function of visual elements in Hebrew fiction, using photography to disrupt narratives and give voice to marginalized sectors in Israel. He discusses standard novels alongside graphic novels, challenging the dominance of the written word, and addresses social and political issues such as gender roles, Zionism, the ethnic divide, and the Palestinian minority.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Syracuse University Press

Amihay's groundbreaking study delves into the intricate interplay between literature and photography in the works of Hebrew authors, offering a pioneering exploration of this unique nexus. Through his meticulous analysis, Amihay demonstrates how the inclusion of visual elements, both as textual elements and through the actual incorporation of photographs, wields a potent subversive function within textual works of fiction. Contemporary Hebrew authors have embraced photography as a powerful tool to challenge narratives and give voice to marginalized sectors within Israel, including women, immigrants, Mizrahi Israelis, LGBTQ+ individuals, second-generation Holocaust survivors, and traumatized army veterans.

Amihay's examination spans both traditional novels and graphic novels, challenging the longstanding dominance of the written word in literature. In addition to providing a poetic analysis of image-text pages, he delves into the social and political issues that authors address, encompassing gender roles, Zionism, the ethnic divide in Israel, and its Palestinian minority. By examining these avant-garde novels and their authors, Amihay elevates their significance and advocates for a more expansive definition of canonical Hebrew literature.

Through his meticulous research, Amihay sheds light on the ways in which visual elements in literature can disrupt established narratives, challenge power structures, and promote empathy and understanding. His work contributes to a broader understanding of the literary landscape and highlights the importance of visual storytelling in contemporary Hebrew literature.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780815637318