In a series of short stories, Collectively Yours portrays the varied facets of kibbutz life through the personal tales of real-life characters. We discover their motives and aspirations as well as their frustrations and achievements, as they strive to create a unique and novel way of life. These are the stories of those who stayed – and those who left. Conflict stands at the heart of most of the stories. Ideals come up against practical solutions, and personal ambitions confront collective unity. We hear of the hostile borderline and the young lives lost defending it – and of the Arab neighbours from the other side. Alongside the hard physical work, there are humorous encounters and festive celebrations. Above all, the book is a vivid portrayal of a kibbutz during a traumatic period of a young state, where international intrigue and domestic political expediency constantly impinge upon everyday life. The book contains thirty stories. The Carpet tells how a simple gift challenges kibbutz principles of equality; To Mount Sinai shows the Suez War unleashing internal political conflict; and Tamar is a simple tale of painful love. Collectively Yours is illustrated with over twenty cartoons from internal kibbutz magazines of the time.
The author
David Merron was born and grew up in London. After National Service, he gave up medical studies and went out to join a new kibbutz on the Gaza border. During his many years there, he was a general secretary and farm manager, as well as serving a period in the Israeli army. He is married with three children and now lives in north London where he is a construction projects manager and a writer.
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