In Israel, the role of the writer is dictated by the language in which you write. Writers see themselves as cultural prophets. — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
Hebrew is this unique thing that you cannot translate to any other language. It has to do with its history. — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
When my books were translated, it was always about the characters, because the unique language aspect was lost in translation. — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
You don't need to use the language of God to ask where the restrooms are. — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
People in Israel would write in a high register, they wouldn't write colloquial speech. I do a special take on colloquial speech.… — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
When I started writing my stories, I thought that not only nobody outside my language, but nobody outside my neighbourhood would get… — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
I think that, in Hebrew, it's like the language creates a more unique and specific universe even before the story. — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
What happens when you speak colloquial Hebrew is you switch between registers all the time. So in a typical sentence, three words… — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
“There should be an age limit for patients, he thinks as he takes off his shoes. You just have to say to them, "You… — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
I usually start writing stories from tone and not from content - kind of like people who create music and invent the lyrics later… — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
Rabbits are played. Nowadays it's all about the turtles. Tell them it's a ninja, they'll freak. — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
“She said I should pick the hall and the date and whatever I want, because it really doesn’t matter to her. That isn’t the… — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
Often in writing programs, articulation and clarity are more important than what you actually say. — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
I write in a slangy colloquial speech that has not been common in the Israeli tradition of writing, and that is one of the… — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
I write what needs to be written the way that seems genuinely right. If what comes out of it are stories, then it is… — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
Collaborating with your wife is amazing because you are doing something together with a person you truly love and know and discover things about… — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
Sometimes, when you are in a really constrained situation, it makes you more focused about what you want to say and where you're heading.… — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
Being published in Arabic is a strong and consistent wish I have. I live in the Middle East and want to be in some… — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
“And suddenly the driver remembered how he'd once promised himself that if he became God in the end, he'd be merciful and kind, and… — Etgar Keret Copy Share Image
