Our Israeli Diary: Of That Time, Of That Place

Harold has concentrated his shopping for the trip on shoes… Our feet seem to have been much on our minds. I think we both believe we shall tramp through a great deal of history.

In May 1978, the award-winning biographer Antonia Fraser and celebrated playwright Harold Pinter boarded a flight destined for Tel Aviv. Despite a number of previous invitations, it was to be the first time either of them had travelled to Israel. Over the two weeks that follow, the tensions of the period are painfully visible, the story of the country is heard through some of its most historically significant sites and touching insights into Fraser and Pinter’s relationship reveal themselves. There are also intriguing hints as to Pinter’s feelings upon finally visiting the place that has become home to his Jewish heritage.

As they move from Jerusalem to Masada to Bethlehem, they break bread and debate the state of Israel with everyone from Jackie Kennedy to Shimon Peres. Charmingly narrated, embroidered by effervescent flourishes and wonderfully British notes of humour, Our Israeli Diary is a unique picture of a time, a place and two of our most-loved literary stars.