Author Elad Zart Discusses New Novel and Post-October 7th Trauma
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Author Elad Zart's new novel "Aleph" features a Neanderthal protagonist and explores themes of crisis and war. Zart revealed that the book's character emerged from his own mental breakdown following the October 7th attacks and the return of hostages, which he experienced two years later.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Author Elad Zart released new novel "Aleph" and poetry collection "Guide to an Israeli War."
- The novel's protagonist, Aleph, is a Neanderthal in a speculative reality.
- Zart experienced a mental breakdown two years after October 7th, inspiring the character.
- The book explores midlife crisis and existence in a war-torn nation.
- Zart previously served in the navy before pursuing literature.
Author Elad Zart has released his new novel, "Aleph," which explores themes of midlife crisis and existence in a war-torn nation. The book's protagonist, Aleph, is a Neanderthal, presented not as a derogatory term but as a successful alternative to Homo sapiens. Zart, who also published a collection of anti-war poems titled "Guide to an Israeli War" concurrently, stated that the novel delves into the experience of an ordinary man who collapses under pressure.
Zart revealed that he experienced a severe mental breakdown two years after October 7th, coinciding with the return of hostages. He described physical symptoms like chest pains and difficulty with stairs, leading to a hospitalization where he underwent psychological evaluation. This breakdown, he explained, was when the character of Aleph began to form, representing a confused man losing touch with his family due to perceived persecution.
The novel is set in a speculative reality where Homo sapiens and Neanderthals coexist, with Neanderthals being a persecuted minority. It touches upon issues of mixed couples and the challenges faced by those with 'the wrong genome.' Zart drew parallels between Aleph's alienation and Kafka's "The Trial," and suggested the novel can be read allegorically, referencing colonialism or the Israeli occupation.
Zart, who previously served as a diver in the submarine flotilla, transitioned to literature after finding himself lost at sea. He was inspired by authors like Hemingway and Melville, and later pursued studies in literature and philosophy. He currently works as an editor for Yediot Ahronot and lectures at Beit Ariela. Zart is married to Mikey, an artist from Germany, and they have two daughters. He is also currently translating German anti-war poetry and writing a new novel about his childhood.