This year in Jerusalem

Published in 1968, This Year in Jerusalem was written by Canadian author Mordecai Richler during a period of significant personal and literary reflection. The work emerged from Richler's experiences traveling to Israel, where he sought to explore his own Jewish identity and the complex realities of the nation during the aftermath of the Six-Day War. It represents a pivot for the author, blending travelogue, memoir, and social commentary to examine the tension between the North American diaspora and the ideological foundations of the modern Israeli state.

The book is noted for its characteristically sharp, unsentimental prose, which was a hallmark of Richler’s style throughout his career. Rather than offering a reverent portrait, Richler utilized a journalistic approach to critique both the romanticized perceptions held by those abroad and the political tensions encountered on the ground. Upon its release, the work was received as a candid and often provocative contribution to the literature of the era, solidifying Richler’s reputation as a writer who balanced acerbic wit with deep cultural inquiry.