Customer Reviews

Rebirth

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you liked Exodus by Leon Uris, you will love Rebirth by Dave Longeuay. From the first page I was gripped by this tale of espionage, romance, and the proganist's pursuit of familial secrets. It begins in July 1945 as Charles Devonshire, a precocious teen-ager, travels to Palestine where he hopes to escape an abusive anti semitic father & solve the mystery of his parents' mysterious past. On the ship and in port he witnesses the British, professed enemies of the Nazis, nonetheless echoing Nazi anti-semitism. The book moves along at a suspenseful, exciting eventful pace for the next two years illuminating the emotional development of Charles, as extreme circumstances propel him into heroic manhood, as well as a close up view of the painful accurate history of Israel's rebirth as a nation. Along the way we are introduced to characters who seem absolutely real and interact naturally with the real historical characters whose names we recognize. The author says the novel is based on actual events and even the events that are made up feel like they certainly could have, maybe even did, happen. This history remains relevant to the ongoing middle east crisis. I was struck by the timeliness of the following:

"Moshe stood. `Heres the root of our problem. Most Arabs and Jews want peace. It's the radicals on each side who incite violence and who pressure peaceful Jews and Arabs to fight or die.' He pulled a paper from his satchel. `The grand mufti, Al Husseini, broadcast this message throughout Europe with Nazi funding: `Arabs, arise and fight for your sacred rights. Kill Jews wherever you find them. This pleases God, history and religion." (p. 276)

Earlier, in chapter 17, Charles helps out a young Arab man who has run out of gas for his motorcycle. Later that same young man who is part of a group of young Arabs who believe they must fight and kill the Jews and Americans saves Charles and his friends from the murderous wrath of his own companions because he remembers that Charles had come to his aid earlier and reminds Charles that he had said then he would not forget. It is good that we get to glimpse this desire of each of these young men to treat each other with humanity in the midst of the fear and violence all around them.

My favorite books, the books I consider to be classics, are books that enlighten and educate while they entertain and engage the reader as this one does. I was familiar with the general outlines of Israel's history but this book transported me to that time and place and I felt like I had experienced it. I highly recommend that anyone interested in the history of Israel as well as the current political situation in the middle east read Rebirth for a fuller understanding of the way history is made. The author has been for many years a songwriter and run a multi media Recording studio expanded in 2000 to include video services and his own experience includes writing, producing, shooting and editing a feature length documentary film. These skills and experience would explain his success at creating a novel with such filmic immediacy. I am very much looking forward to following Charles and his beloved Gladia in the sequel: Reborn.

The Goodreads summary above is extremely comprehensive and offers the reader just the right amount of information as an introduction to this novel. Charles fled his father's anti-Semitic organization and found himself in post-WWII Palestine. He meets Gladia fairly early in the novel. Gladia is portrayed as beautiful, intelligent, and witty. Charles takes an instant liking-and attraction-to her. Charles is an interesting character. He is somewhat lost in this new environment, but he still soldiers on. His questions lead to informative answers for both himself and the reader.

The author describes post-WWII Palestine vividly. He doesn't leave out many details, if any. The plot, environment, tensions, undercurrents, etc...are all made known. The reader will be able to feel the suspense, fear, and perseverance of the characters. The determination of the Israeli people is admirable and appears a tad effortless-they don't give up easily. Their combined strength as a people is impressive.

This book is an intense read, the reader will have a hard time putting Rebirth down. The book is well-written and contains smooth transition, recommended to adult readers.

It says: Fleeing his fathers anti-Semitic organization, Charles Devonshire journeys into the most volatile landgrab in history. Post WWII Palestine. Charles pursues a beautiful but mysterious librarian Gladia, who introduces him to the elaborate Jewish underground.

This book is well written and guaranteed to bring out so much emotion in even the most hard hearted. Could not put it down. A must read. I won this from Goodreads.

This is by far one of the best historical fiction books I've read in a long time. History is my passion. Learning about the past so we can change our future is something we should all do. Rebirth touches on the very emotions of human nature. I wanted to cry with Charles as he learned who he was and his heritage. I wanted to give hugs to so many of the characters in this book, to let them cry on my shoulder and cry with them. Everyone knows about the Holocaust, but I think very few know what happened to the Jew's afterwards, and the struggles they continued to face as they found a home of their own.
Dave's ability to incorporate a fictional love story around such a tumultuos time period, and pull on the readers heartstrings, is a gift. I am now anxiously awaiting the sequel Reborn.

Classified as historical fiction, REBIRTH by Dave Longeuay is in reality not a novel that fits easily into one category. It is part romance, part history lesson, part theological study and part lesson in survival.

Set in Palestine in 1948 it follows the beginnings of the new Israeli state as Holocaust survivors and Jews from around the world attempt to reunify their people and establish a Jewish state in accordance with what they believe is the fulfilment of ancient biblical prophecy.

One would think that after surviving the deprivation of Hitler's death camps, returning to what was foretold as the promised land would be a piece of cake. No so, we are told. It seems that the Mufti of Jerusalem was in concert with Germany in the late 1930's in solving what both agreed was "the Jewish problem". In addition, it was politics as usual and even the British were not all that happy about encroachment into their "piece of the oil rich Middle Eastern pie" after the war. The general view of Israel as "the spoiler in the Middle East" continues to this day.......as one can easily see by just picking up a daily newspaper.

To the casual reader, it remains a mystery how this small country has, over the past sixty-some years survived to become what amounts to a super-power in the Middle East. Perhaps, it is their strong religious beliefs coupled with a resilient never give up attitude that has helped this "nation of miracles" that, although surrounded by enemies, survives to this day in the face of almost overwhelming odds.

While this book was definitely worth the time spent reading it and did manage to pique my curiosity concerning the history of Israel, to someone truly interested in the in depth details, this is more a love story set in turbulent times that would qualify as "history lite". 3 1/2 STARS

As a born again Christian and a Bible greenpea, I found Rebirth to be a nice journey into the rebirth story of Israel.

Bible prophecy (from over 2,000 years ago) states in Zechariah 8:7-8 7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: "I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west. 8 I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God." This story works, with this fulfillment of prophecy. Very cool.

As a child of the 50s, I really enjoyed the multiple story lines of the love story, espionage and the hero's seeking the answers to his own family secrets. A great historical fiction that really picked up speed in the 2nd half all the way to the cliffhanging end. I'm waiting for rebirth #2. Would make a great TV series.

A young American, Charles Devonshire flees America to distance himself from a neurotic, abusive, anti-Semitic father who wanted to initiate Charles into his anti-Semitic organization upon his graduation from high school. Charles inconspicuously leaves America by ship and finds himself in the hostile land of Palestine, which the Jewish people intend to claim as their own. Will his father catch up to him? Are there snitches willing to sell him out? What is his father and mother's connection to this land?

Dave describes in detail the hostility, espionage, bombings, murderous riots, kidnappings, and anti-Semitic rhetoric from July, 1945 to May 14, 1948, when Israel became a nation; their statehood being acknowledged first by the United States. Charles and his friends found these activities spreading fear and despair, while hope, tenacity and commitment of the Jewish people remained as they relied on the promises of God from the Old Testament for their nation.

The lives of the characters are real and pulsating, drawing you into the action, experiencing the depths of danger and violence while Israel struggles to become a nation. The analogy the author made between Americans fighting Great Britain for a new American nation and the Jews fighting to claim their nation was a great insight into the rights and determination of the Jewish people. Made me realize the importance of the struggles and how much we, today, do not totally understand the depth of commitment to the preservation of our country.

What I found horrific was the presence of a concentration camp after WWII. As Americans, we were made to surmise that they were all destroyed at the end of the war. The daily papers did not make this camp known to the world at large back then, and I find that the papers today aren't much different about major issues.

Charles's involvement in all the varying activities, including this concentration camp, is astounding. Amidst all the dangers and missions he was on, there was also the budding romance between Charles and Gladia, a Jewish woman. Can a relationship between this American young man and Jewish young lady survive amidst the anti-Semitic hostilities and murderous circumstances? Can two young people from different countries and diverse faiths make it in 1948?

I find that the cover of Dave Longeuay's book, Rebirth, speaks volumes about the faithfulness of God throughout history. Israel, such a tiny nation situated in the most volatile, explosive area of the world, is so small in comparison to the expanse of the other nations. Yet God has His sights on this group of people for a very specific reason-a group of people trying to claim this land as a united Israel, after 2000 years of displacement, according to the promises of God. Astounding cover!

For a great historical novel based on the days after WWII and the birth of the nation of Israel, I would highly recommend this one to you. It is based on actual events!

This book was provided by Lightning Book Promotions in behalf of the author in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.

This is one book I expected perhaps too much of. To tell the truth I had in mind the likes of Exodus or the well researched series written by the Thoene's. At any rate I will admit to have struggled with some of its contents from the very first page despite the fact it is based on actual events.

The birth of Israel came about painfully, each struggle won at a very high cost and should be told!
Historically Jews have been viewed as a threat to many nations. Six millions souls perished during the second WW alone! Some of the remaining survivors joined Palestine born Jews to make this strategic little strip of land their Promised Land as foretold.

'Rebirth' is more about the romance of two young people amidst the turmoil of Israel. I failed to understand why the main character is hailed as a hero for example...And I cannot for one agree with some of Dave Longeuay's comments regarding 'sympathetic' Arabs. There are exception of course everywhere.

However the author does not extend this sentiment to the occupying forces yet many Britons were also compassionate and caring. The blockade in Palestine was arguably thorough but again, in the end the Jews won and Israel was born.

Despite a most compelling subject, the storyteller failed to develop a balance betwixt his protagonists and the historical background thus reducing in the end its impact.

Finally this novel just do not seem to grab the reader and leaves us perplex to his intention. Is this fiction to be entertaining or just an historical rundown?

If you love History however, you will forgive the somewhat amateurish approach of the author and just dig in.
Consider it an homage to the very real heroes of this amazing country!

''''',

3 Stars!

I received this book free from LIGHTNING BOOK PROMOTIONS as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

This exciting historical novel takes the reader behind the scenes of what was really going on when Israel was becoming a nation. It reveals the truth of how other nations were helping or hindering--the truth that most of us don't know--especially about Britain--facts I learned only when I was living in Jerusalem and a Jewish family showed my husband and I a photographic history book of the new nation of Israel.

The book, Rebirth, grabs you emotionally, making you feel like you are there with the characters, experiencing the scary escalation of opposition coupled with the insecurity of the disorganization of not yet having an official military as they fight for the right to remain in their ancient, but new homeland. The novel does not gloss over the violence of war. It let's us, the reader, know the naked reality of what the young, Jewish freedom fighters suffered. It is time that the Israeli side of the story be told.

The author uses adjectives as verbs for descriptive replacements of words such as, "said" "replied", etc. It felt strange to me at first, but after a few pages I started getting used to it.

Cheryl, Editor and Director
Olive Press Messianic and Christian Publisher

Author Dave Longeuay takes the question "How did a scattered remnant of Jews rise to build a
mighty superpower in the Middle East?" and delivers an exceptional detailed well written story based on actual events! 'REBIRTH' is the result of a perfect story and author coming together!!
J. Weaver, PageOneLit.com & Books-And-Authors.net