FREE EVENT

Qesher Book Club:

DOG

Tuesday, December 9

USA 12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET

UK 8:00 pm / France 9:00 pm / Israel 10:00 pm

The talk will last approximately 60 minutes

About this talk

A Combat Officer and a Lost Dog Find Each Other in the Shadows of Trauma and Addiction
Dog is a haunting, unflinching exploration of PTSD, addiction, and redemption, told through the lens of an Israeli officer returning from Gaza. Struggling with his trauma, he descends into heroin addiction and finds himself among Tel Aviv's community of misfit junkies—until a stray dog unexpectedly enters his life.
What follows is a raw, immersive journey through psychological anguish, fleeting hope, and the search for meaning in the wreckage of war. The novel also provides a profound examination of the mechanisms that lead to PTSD, delving into the transformation of trauma into a lasting psychological burden. It explores how extreme stress, moral injury, and the experience of combat rewire the brain, making it nearly impossible to return to civilian life unchanged.
Through its deeply personal narrative, Dog sheds light on the internal and external struggles faced by those who carry the invisible wounds of war. The novel masterfully blends sharp social critique and emotional depth, creating an unforgettable reading experience. Dog was long-listed for the prestigious Sapir Prize, Israel's most esteemed literary award.

The original book is in Hebrew, and it has been translated into English by Yardenne Greenspan, who will also join us for this conversation. 


You can read more and order the book here: https://yishayishiron.com/dog/

About the Author

Yishay Ishi Ron is an Israeli writer and former soldier in an elite combat unit who suffers from severe PTSD. Writing has been a crucial part of his healing process, and Dog is deeply rooted in his personal experiences. Yishay Ishi Ron lives in Tel Aviv with his wife and three children.

About the Translator

Yardenne Greenspan is a writer and Hebrew translator born in Tel Aviv. Her work has been featured in Tablet, Jewish Book Council, Literary Hub, Haaretz, Words Without Borders, and as a regular column in Ploughshares. Her translations have been published by Restless Books, St. Martin's Press, Akashic, New Vessel Press, Amazon Crossing, and Farrar, Straus & Giroux. Her translation of The Memory Monster by Yishai Sarid was a 2020 New York Times Notable Book and her translations have repeatedly been included in World Literature Today's Notable Translations lists. Greenspan has taught creative writing and translation workshops at Columbia University and at a VA hospital. She has an MFA from Columbia University and lives in New York City.

RECORDING INFORMATION

This talk will be recorded and shared with registrants the day after. 

It will be available without a time limit