Europa, Europa
by Solomon Perel, Margot Bettauer Dembo

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Book Summary Information

• ISBN13: 9780471283645
• Condition: New
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Book Reviews of Europa, Europa

Book Review: Talking with the author
Summary: 5 Stars

As I worked in Israel I told my Israeli business associates about this chance meeting. By their response, you would have thought that I had met King Solomon himself. I began to doubt that this guy really was the very famous and deeply respected Solomon Perel. I figured he was a bored old man wanting to strike up a conversation with the young woman sitting next to him to pass 3 long hours.

When I got home, I rented the movie. It followed the old man's tale very closely - but I figured that the old guy had read the book in Hebrew or already saw the movie - that's how he knew the story. But then, at the end of the movie, there is short clip of Solomon Perel in Israel. It was him - it was the man I had met in Heathrow.

I regret to say that I never wrote to Solomon Perel. Every time I started a letter, I found it impossible to say anything meaningful. From a young age, this man had suffered an unimaginable horror and came out of it undoubtedly wounded, but also incredibly strong. I, in turn, had been raised by a loving family in a peaceful and prosperous country. I was blessed with a great job, wonderful friends, a loving husband, and a beautiful 1 year old boy. I couldn't think of anything to say to this man that didn't seem trite. Perhaps I'll try again to write to him. If you read this book, it will break your heart. If you are smart, you will realize what I did - just how blessed we are ..... well, so far.

I was a European history buff, but knew little about the Middle East conflict. After meeting Mr. Perel, I started reading history books on the area and since September 11th I've read every relevant book I can find (check out my review of Howard Sachar's A History of Israel). I expected to feel great solidarity with the Israeli cause. But the more I studied, the more I felt that the Israeli policies of occupation, settlement, repression and retaliation are morally flawed. I feel this in spite of my deep respect and regard for Mr. Perel. So I was somewhat reluctant to recommend Europa Europa - fearing that feelings of solidarity with Holocaust victims would further bias reader's opinions about America's foreign policy in the Middle East. Nonetheless, I can't deny Mr. Perel's story is compeling and deserves an honest review. I only hope that readers - in fact all Americans - study the issues carefully. Our country is under attack for our Middle East policies and all Americans have a responsibility to the country and the world to look beyond headlines and speeches, form educated opinions, and exercise your civic responsibility to contact your elected officials. {end of political diatribe}

Summary of Europa, Europa

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