Overview
“Captures the personal within the political, offering rare insight." — Unholy podcast, hosted by Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland
Renowned journalist Ruth Margalit revisits 11 profiles of Israeli politicians, cultural figures, and iconoclasts spanning a decade of her reporting for The New Yorker and The New York Times Magazine to create a powerful mosaic of the clashing forces that have led to Israel’s current state.
To live in Israel today, Margalit writes, is to be either a whale or a Jonah—trying to make do in the belly of the whale. The profiles in this collection represent both: outsiders trying to make a life in a system designed against them, and insiders hatching plans and amassing power all while riding the twin waves of populism and jingoism.
Returning to these profiles from her current reality as a writer and mother living in Tel Aviv at a time of war, Margalit reexamines the texts in light of a transformed society and self, adding new updates and insights to journalistic portraits she has created over the course of a dozen years.
Incorporating perspectives of Israelis from all strata of society—Jews, Arabs, activists, artists, politicians, and academics alike—Margalit stitches an enlightening patchwork to help readers better understand the seemingly inscrutable politics of a nation in which so many have a deep and abiding interest.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry In the Belly of the Whale (A Chronicle of Israel's Moral Unraveling), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of In the Belly of the Whale (A Chronicle of Israel's Moral Unraveling).