Memoir by former Israeli hostage Eli Sharabi soars to Time Magazine’s 100 Must-Read Books of 2025
'Hostage' recounts Sharabi's horrific experiences in Hamas captivity
The book “Hostage” by Eli Sharabi, a survivor of Hamas captivity in Gaza, has been included in TIME Magazine’s list of the "100 Must-Read Books of 2025."
In the list published on Wednesday, the editors and writers of the American magazine stated that they chose books that “moved, inspired conversation, and opened the mind.”
The diverse list includes works from various genres – from novels and biographies to nonfiction and thrillers.
Last month, the English edition of “Hostage” ranked fourth on The New York Times bestseller list.
The English version was published by HarperCollins, the world’s second-largest publishing house, and has received exceptional attention from readers and literary critics across the United States. Ahead of the book’s English release, TIME magazine dedicated a cover story to Sharabi.
“Emotional and full of compassion – Hostage is an instant New York Times bestseller,” Sharabi wrote in a post upon hearing of the achievement.
“Thank you to every reader, supporter, and believer who made this possible. As we celebrate this milestone, we continue to pray and work for the return of all those still held in captivity – they will never be forgotten. In memory of my beloved wife Lianne, my daughters Noya and Yahel, and my brother Yossi.”
Upon its release in Hebrew, “Hostage” became the best-selling book in Israel, with sales exceeding 100,000 copies.
The book later received Israeli book seller Steimatzky’s “Diamond Book” award.
The international edition is expected to be published in additional languages in the near future.
Amit Harari is a KAN 11 News correspondent.
