‘Oz presents the clash of idealisms in such a way as to allow Israel’s recent past to reverberate in the present, while at the same time connecting them to the much more ancient Judas story that fascinates Shmuel. It’s a complex and impressive achievement, and although it can lead to characters speaking with a degree of articulacy that makes ordinary conversation seem like formal debate, Oz is also conscious of the need to keep things human and humane.’ – Andrew Motion