The Pure Element of Time

Haim Be'er. Translated from the Hebrew by Barbara Harshav

"The Pure Element of Time" photo of a little boy wearing suspenders and a hat, a bucket and many adults in the background.

A rich autobiographical novel of the sentimental education of one of modern Israel's foremost literary talents.

Published in 1998 as "Havalim," "The Pure Element of Time" is a rich and evocative autobiographical novel about a writer's development. With his keen eye and opulent writing style, Haim Be'er turns the story of his childhood and maturity into a complex and gripping work of art.