How the War Is Reshaping the Global Reach of Israeli Women Writers
A magazine feature examined how the war, especially after October 7, has affected three successful Israeli authors whose books have long sold abroad. The women, Sarit Yishai-Levi, Ayelet Gundar-Goshen and Dorit Rabinyan, each described earlier international breakthroughs, the countries that embraced them, and the new obstacles facing Hebrew literature overseas.
Yishai-Levi, 77, said "The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem" was translated into 21 languages, published by the respected U.S. house Macmillan and launched at Barnes & Noble. She noted that the book won the Steimatzky Prize and became an international television series, while her other books had far less reach. Since October 7, she said she has been invited only to a Jewish literature festival in Poland, not the major festivals she once attended, adding, "The world hates us." She also said her new book has not gone anywhere abroad and the translations of her previous book were halted.
Gundar-Goshen, 44, whose books have been translated into 19 languages, said Germany has been her strongest market, with "Guests" becoming a Der Spiegel bestseller even after October 7. She described translation debates over names and foods, but refused to change them, insisting her stories remain rooted in Tel Aviv. She said her books let her earn a living and described the U.S. literary elite as anti-Israel. She also said her latest novel was published in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy, but not in the United States.
Rabinyan, 53, said "Sandash Alley in Omrig'aan" and "Our Weddings" were translated into 18 languages, and "Borderlife" into 30, partly because of the controversy after the Education Ministry banned it. She said Italy is her most appreciative audience, while praising the way translations opened travel, friendships and even love. But she said publishers now treat Hebrew literature as less welcome after the war, warning it may take generations to rebuild trust. She also said the Iranians translated one of her books into Persian without permission, without paying royalties and with censorship.
