Exodus (Modern Classics) by Leon Uris
|
Our Price: $21.75 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $1.23 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Exodus (Modern Classics)
Book Review: If you like Edward Said...
Summary: 4 Stars
you'll hate this book.Those who dislike "Exodus" will make claims of racism, Eurocentrism, orientalism, imperialism, colonialism, and the legitimization of dispossession.
Do not be tricked. Palestinian dispossession was preceded by the Arab/Palestinian orignal sin: the 1947 rejection of U.N. Resolution 181 (the partition plan creating a Palestinian and Jewish state, accepted by Israel) and the choice to test their fortunes with war. Had the Arabs succeeded in driving the Jews off the land they legally purchased and owned, this novel would probably not exist. And the critics who now endlessly claim one "ism" after another would be oddly silent.
Read and enjoy Exodus with the knowledge that for the key historical points, Uris has been fair in his fiction.
Book Review: One of the best
Summary: 4 Stars
I started reading the book three times before I managed to actually finish it. I'm glad I did though. The story is interesting mostly because the events really took place, eventhough the figures in the book are fictious. The 'millitary' parts are quite boring and it's hard the keep reading through them, but on the other hand it makes the story more complete, it's not just an other story.I do think you should read ths book, if you haven't already done so, for it is certainly worth it. And, if you are a bit like me, you won't keep your eyes dry...
Book Review: An excellent social history of the rebirth of a nation
Summary: 4 Stars
It is a passionate story of the rebirth of a nation. It starts with the smuggling of people to palestine against the blockade imposed by british. It continues to trace the reasons behind the jewish diaspora and the atrocities heaped on the jewish people by the different nations/polupations. It ends with a vivid description of the formation of State of Israel. The novel was an enthralling and enlightening experience for a person like me who is in no way concerned with Judaism or the middle east politics.Book Review: Harry Potter was better
Summary: 3 Stars
This is the story of Jewish statehood with a few contrived characters awkwardly attached - like the miniature bride and groom on a wedding cake. The Jews were strong, courageous, beautiful, and full of sensual vitality. The Arabs were weak, treacherous, and motivated by hate and ignorance. In the end, the Jews achieved independence and the reader is assured the Arabs will regain their own cultural prominence once they resolve to follow the example set by the Jews. It's a nice story, but for historical accuracy, I'll stick with Harry Potter.Book Review: An insult to any thinking human being
Summary: 1 Stars
Of all the ineptly written books in the world, this one is amongst the top five. What's worrying is not that Exodus is badly written propaganda, it's that it's badly written propaganda that's still in print several decades after it was first unleashed on the general public. Why does this book have such a large (and growing) band of followers? I've seen/read comic books with more depth.
Every disgusting stereotype about Brits and Arabs was beaten to death.
Another issue I had was with the (lack of) character development; every character (with the exception of Ari Ben Canaan) was just flat and boring. Other characters that Mr. Uris could no longer be bothered with were suddenly killed off (e.g. Ruth and Sharona). Every gentile character was a stooge, half-wit, coward, barbarian, or any combination of the above. How does this get categorised as historical fiction? Aren't books in that genre supposed to be remotely balanced? The real story is not as black and white as is portrayed here.
This book had only one redeeming quality: the stories of characters escaping persecution in Europe. The stories of Dov and Karen before they got to Cyprus were interesting. However, I would seek recommendations on the million other well-written books that deal with that topic.
With regards to Mr. Uris' writing style, he clearly thought that every other sentence was so important that it warranted the use of an exclamation mark! This book was so painfully offensive that I finally put it down at page 238! I read it because someone I love asked me to, but I had to return it! No more! No more!