After the fantastic discussions in November, we bring you two sessions of Arab Israeli Book Review this season. Join writer and lecturer Ariel Kahn and celebrated novelist Samir El- Youssef at Joseph’s Bookstore for two interactive, informal and illuminating evenings. Prior knowledge of the books will enhance your enjoyment but is not essential.

February 2nd, Sayed Kashua’s Dancing Arabs

Often described as the Palestinian Seinfeld, as an Israeli Arab Sayed Kashua has a unique insider perspective on both Palestine and Israel.

A gifted satirist, Kashua has also penned the wildly popular Israeli TV series Arab Labour and has a regular column in Haaretz, depicting the comic complexities of life as an Arab in Israel.

His autobiographical novel Dancing Arabs sparkles with his trademark wit and deadpan humour. Written in Hebrew, it explores the complexities of growing up as an Israeli Arab with both poignant tenderness and playful lightness.

In 2004, Kashua won the Prime Minister’s prize for literature. Arab Labour won the Award for Best Television Series at the Jerusalem Film Festival. Kashua has just won the 2011 Bernstein Prize for his latest novel, Second Person.

March 20th, Eshkol Nevo’s World Cup Wishes

Can people actually change? At what cost?

This is the question at the heart of Nevo’s novel, World Cup Wishes. Four very different friends write down what they wish will happen in their lives by the time of the next World Cup, when they will share their secrets. His moving and sparkling novel explores the gaps between dreams and reality, and meditates on the meaning of friendship.

Set against the background of the first and second Intifadas, the novel asks whether personal fulfilment is really possible in an atmosphere of repression.

Homesick, Nevo’s first novel, was a national bestseller in Israel. Nevo teaches Creative Writing and Thinking at Bezalel and Tel Aviv University.

He was awarded membership of the Israel Cultural Excellence Foundation (IcExcellence), one of the country’s highest recognitions for excellence in the arts.