From Publishers Weekly
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.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
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.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
