Arik Brauer (1929–2021)

Arik Brauer is my favourite living artist, so when I saw this new book at the library I did not borrow it, but went to a bookstore and bought it.

Actually, the pictures are not the best part of the book, although they did grow on me while I read it.

Arik Brauer explains in his introduction that he considers himself to be agnostic. However, he is certainly a Jewish agnostic, and very familiar with the scriptures. The combination of familiarity and sceptical reading make this a delight to read. Certainly, if you haven't read the Old Testament recently, this is a much shorter way to cover the material. I liked the occasional comments on the Hebrew. Every now and again, usually just after lots of people have been murdered, comes the comment, "Das steht in der Bibel." That's what the Bible says.

Brauer isn't comfortable with religion, but he loves these stories, even if he has trouble taking them seriously. I enjoyed reading them.… (mehr)