Publication Information: New York; Harcourt Brace & Company, 1997 ISBN: 0156006308

Suggested Module Use: Stereotypes, Ethics and Universal Values; The Impact of Conflict and Civil War on Identity

Brief Biography: Amos Oz was born in Jerusalem in 1937. He lived for many years on a kibbutz and the settings of many of his novels take place on kibbutz. As one of the leading figures in the “Peace Now” movement since 1977, his articles, essays and political activities have made him a foremost figure in Israel. Despite opposition from the religious right in Israel, Mr. Oz was awarded the Israeli Prize for Literature in 1998.

Summary: Panther in the Basement is a coming of age story, set at the precipice of Israeli’s war for independence. This novel is related in first person narrative from the point of view of twelve-year old “Proffy,” so nicknamed for his love of words and reading. Proffy attempts to emulate his parents who belong to the resistance movement, by forming his own underground organization with two of his young friends. However, when Proffy finds himself drawn to a lonely British police officer who offers him English lessons in exchange for lessons in Hebrew, he struggles with his guilt feelings over betraying his cause. When his friends accuse Proffy of being a traitor for consorting with the enemy, he agonizes over the theme of the needs of the individual over those of the whole. In addition, Proffy must come to terms with his romantic feelings for a much older woman of twenty.

Target Audience: Ninth grade

Genre: Novel

Length: 147 pages

Availability: Paperback and Hard-cover

Cost: $9.90/ $21.00

Commentary: A lovely coming of age story, detailing the way of life in pre-independent Israel. The scenery and locale are foreign, but the themes are universal.