Past Continuous is an engaging novel by Yaahov Shabtai and is set in modern-day Tel Aviv. Astutely translated from the original Hebrew by Dalya Bilu, Past Continuous strives to present a landscape portrait of Tel Aviv, as it depicts three men, their lives, their loves, their families, and their friends in a criss-cross tangled tale wrapped in the unfolding vibrancy of the city itself. A compelling and deftly written saga, Past Continuous will well serve to introduce to American readers an Israeli writer of significant literary talent.

Simply the best book published in Israel for the last 30 years.Absolutely fantastic!

one of the best books written in this century. not an easy reading- the book is written in one paragraph, and as a continous thought, but it's damn worth it.

Each of the Novellas has a protagonist of unusual proportions, attempting to find something just slightly beyond himself or herself. While being a part of contemporary fiction, there is a certain historical perspective such as the disposed, wandering Jew of Aharon Appelfeld's "The Isles of St. George." Almost alone on this island, he wants to forget Europe, Israel,and his past. One of the most interesting characters in my opinion is Yani in David Grossman's "Yani on the Mountain." Here is a soldier left to oversee a mountain after the war of 1973. The mountain becomes a support, a challenge, something to be overcome, but his friend confronts him, "Hiding uphere on the mountain--armoring himself with hostility and contempt. Afraid. Afraid.." Benjamin Tammuz has one brother living his life vicariously through watching his brother's life unfold in a near-by house. "The Brother" is a thoughtful tale of envy, suppressed love, and hatred. In Yaakov Shabtai's "Uncle Peretz Takes Flight", a zany Jewish communist wants to save the world (which he doesn't even like very much), attending meetings during the day and coming home to climb up on the roof in preparation for flight. Altogether, this is a wonderful collection of stories.