A world of magic and reality, humor and horror, unfolds in this book. Chalfie's Witches is a unique unit in Israeli poetry.
These poems have aroused much interest and become very popular among readers, partly because of their feminist connotations. But in Chalfi’s world, witches express ambivalent qualities: daring, power, creativity, sexual independence and a revolt against repression on the one hand, and on the other: vulnerability, resignation, victimhood, and painful crashes to the ground of reality. Thus they are both wondrous and mundane; they soar to heights, but then sink down to reality, are defeated and pay the price.
Chalfi's Linguistic flexibility and sincere view produce
not only moments of horror, ridicule and a secret language, not just wonderful
poetic observations, but also graceful images of witches, frolicking with fun
in language and character games. In the space between amusement and darkness,
between fantasy and psychology, emerges a kaleidoscopic portrait, virtuoso and
profound.
Haaretz
With Chalfi’s rare linguistic sensitivity, dipped in
deep humor, there’s a “whoosh” that takes place, that makes these poems fly
despite the literal and metaphoric dust that accompanies them…Reading them, one
wants to say “Right!” or “Absolutely!” or “You’ve got it!” after almost each
line.
Time Out; Iton 77
Wherever you open this book, you will find yourself in a
crazy mind dance … Chalfi's witches poems throw us back and show what a
profound option poetry can offer.
Maariv NRG