Review by Booklist Review
The author of such classics of popular fiction as The Caine Mutiny (1951), The Winds of War (1971), and War and Remembrance (1978) submits another ambitious novel with military history as its fabric. Wouk portrays frontline and behind-the-lines scenes occurring at various points in the three wars that Israel had to undergo as tests-by-fire during its first two decades of existence--the 1948 war of independence, the 1956 Suez war, and the 1967 Six Day War--in order for the young nation to establish itself among its Arab neighbors. Wouk, of course, uses fictional characters to carry his story along through these years of state building on the Israelis' part, but he places actual historical figures into the action as well, adding further authenticity to a plot well grounded in historical detail. The passion of the people of Israel in organizing a new country and trying to maintain its integrity in the face of adversity comes well to the fore as Wouk weaves a full-blooded epic of necessary and unnecessay bloodletting. Love and other nonmilitary concerns are at play here, too, naturally, but such emotions, attitudes, and actions definitely take a back seat to military issues in a novel for those readers drawn to guns-and-strategy tales. (Reviewed Sept. 15, 1993)0316955191Brad Hooper
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In the Historical Notes to this solid saga encapsulating three Israeli-Arab wars, Wouk makes astute reference to the element that gives the novel its considerable power: he refers to his ``arduous personal research . . . which is one reason that my books appear at long intervals.'' Conceding the impossibility of using ``cool perspective'' about events so recent and often still hotly debated, he then clarifies which episodes in the novel are based on fact. These accounts of specific battles, behind-the-scenes political skirmishes in Israel and diplomatic strategy in Washington, D.C., provide the novel's fascinating historical background and true drama. Among and between his accounts of the 1948 War of Independence, the Suez crisis and the Six-Day War, Wouk weaves a story of two protagonists and their fortunes in love and war. Young Polish immigrant Yossi Blumenthal first distinguishes himself in battle in such a reckless manner that he is dubbed Don Kishote; he goes on to become a military hero. His first commander, Zev Barak, is ``sidelined'' into diplomacy and becomes an attache in Washington. Such actual figures as David Ben Gurion, Moshe Dayan, Golda Meir and others are depicted with candor and credibility. While his account is sympathetic to Israel, Wouk does not paint the Arabs with a tarred brush; nor does he put a false gloss on less-than-admirable episodes in the short history of the Jewish nation. Though his prose at times peregrinates into the pedestrian, Wouk has not lost his touch: this is an engrossing and often moving tale. (Dec.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
When an engrossing and well-developed tale of human drama is combined with a first-rate audio production, the result is a superlative listening experience. Such is the case with Wouk's newest epic novel. Set against the backdrop of Israel's early struggles for autonomy and recognition, the story follows the lives of Zev Barak, a Viennese-born military advisor, and Yossi Blumenthal, a soldier whose valor quickly becomes legend. Zev and Yossi, along with real and fictional supporting characters, are representative of the young nation's fight for survival in years punctuated by constant warfare and diplomatic maneuvering. Golda Meir, Moshe Dayan, and David Ben-Gurion are protrayed with authenticity and sympathy, and Wouk's introduction of a young and brash African army recruit in the name of Idi Amin is of special interest. The tale benefits from the artistry of narrator Theodore Bikel, who lends magic to each character he portrays. This is perhaps one of the best audiobooks currently available, and despite its prodigious length, it is a most worthwhile purchase for any public library collection.-- Gretchen Browne, Rockville Centre P.L., N.Y. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Schmaltzy, workmanlike epic of Israel's formative years: Wouk's tenth novel. In light of the recent historical accord between the PLO and Israel, this latest from the author of The Caine Mutiny (1951), etc., could hardly be more timely--a replication of Israel's struggle for nationhood, then for identity. The story begins in 1948 with the new nation's fate hanging in the balance. Jerusalem is surrounded; Arab armies are scything through the Holy Land. The Arabs' only problem is that they don't have a common strategy other than eradicating Jews. The Israelis aren't getting along so well either, factional as they also are--but they have at least concurred upon one leader, David Ben-Gurion, who has appointed one general, American Mickey Marcus. Fighting alongside these and other real-life Israeli luminaries is a cast of fictional men and women led by Zev Barak (Marcus's aide), Yael Luria (a beautiful army sergeant), and Don Kishote (a young soldier who has already seen too much of life's ills in Europe). Through the fight for independence, the Suez crisis, and the Six-Day war, these characters mature, witnessing history (the battle for Latrun, Mitla Pass, the armored dash to El Arish), and meeting historical figures running the gamut from Idi Amin to JFK. Don Kishote survives to become Israel's chief of staff; Zev becomes a diplomat; and Yael- -well, after losing in love she goes off to America to make her fortune but returns in time to celebrate Israel's victory over the Egyptians. Of most interest are the history lesson and Wouk's insight into the political doings. Pedestrian storytelling, though, and flat character undermined by too much talk and too little action count heavily at the bottom line.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Review by Library Journal Review
Review by Kirkus Book Review
