“The wonderful short stories of Tal Shalev capture big and small moments of life in Jerusalem. Full of humor, wisdom of the heart, and compassion, they reveal the human heart of men and women, young and old, Jews and non-Jews, in times of peace and war. They paint a rare portrait of an ancient and disputed city, seen through the precious life of its inhabitants. A portrait seldom told.”

—Michal Govrin, author of The Name and Mother’s Silence

“With the keen eye of a seasoned observer and the genuine understanding of a participant in Israeli life, Tal Shalev has written short stories that are as engaging as a well-composed photograph.”

—Samuel Heilman, author of The Rebbe: The Life and Afterlife of Menachem Mendel Schneerson

“Tal Shalev writes about Israeli life the way the best short fiction writers write about anywhere—from the inside out, with dark humor and devastating precision.”

—Tova Herzl, commentator and author of Madame Ambassador

“If you’ve spent any time in Israel, you’ll recognize so many of the marvelous characters in Tal Shalev’s wonderful stories. And if you haven’t, you’ll be delighted to meet such honest and authentic people, each with a worthwhile story to share.”

—Fran Kritz, contributing reporter, NPR