Israel

A Concise History of a Nation Reborn

By: Daniel Gordis

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

Length: 16 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

The first comprehensive yet accessible history of the state of Israel from its inception to present day, from Daniel Gordis, "one of the most respected Israel analysts" (The Forward) living and writing in Jerusalem.

Israel is a tiny state, and yet it has captured the world's attention, aroused its imagination, and lately, been the object of its opprobrium. Why does such a small country speak to so many global concerns? More pressingly: Why does Israel make the decisions it does? And what lies in its future?

We cannot answer these questions until we understand Israel's people and the questions and conflicts, the hopes and desires, that have animated their conversations and actions. Though Israel's history is rife with conflict, these conflicts do not fully communicate the spirit of Israel and its people: they give short shrift to the dream that gave birth to the state, and to the vision for the Jewish people that was at its core. Guiding us through the milestones of Israeli history, Gordis relays the drama of the Jewish people's story and the creation of the state. Clear-eyed and erudite, he illustrates how Israel became a cultural, economic and military powerhouse - but also explains where Israel made grave mistakes and traces the long history of Israel's deepening isolation.

With Israel, public intellectual Daniel Gordis offers us a brief but thorough account of the cultural, economic, and political history of this complex nation, from its beginnings to the present. Accessible, levelheaded, and rigorous, Israel sheds light on Israel's past so we can understand its future. The result is a vivid portrait of a people, and a nation, reborn.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2016 Daniel Gordis (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Excellent narrator, fascinating overview, limited perspective

Not being a Hebrew speaker myself, I found the narration to be excellent with clear pronunciation and engaging tone. The actual text is engaging, fast-paced, and informative. I was left wondering what the other side of the story is, however. It is clear that this historian’s understanding favors Israel. While he certainly does not paint Israel in a hagiographic light, I imagine that there is more to be said about Palestinian grievances than he may have revealed. Overall, highly recommended.

An emotional experience

This book is so well written and unbiased, the narrator so authentic, listening was a unique, emotional experience for me. “ISRAEL” made me relive my politically stressful childhood, now with the eyes of an adult. In fact, this reads like a novel in which the main character is a country.

Great Brief History of Israel

Listened to this just before a two week trip to Israel and was a great primer to better understand the country, its history and its people. Highly recommended!

Amazing book

Great overview of the incredible history of Israel. Highly recommend. Gordis brought forth great insights.

Complex history, well structured.

Big volume, and complex history, but in reasonably concise segments - this worked very well in audiobook format, excellent narration as well. Recommended.

Condensed

I admit to only knowing a cursory history of Israel. This book made some parts of my knowledge stronger. brang some parts to light and had me questioning some issues. I believe most of the main points were struck and explained fairly well. I see many complained about pronunciation though I can't say I noticed as I would be unsure. Obvious pride from the auto and possibly the narrator about the struggles and triumphs of Israel and its people came through. I did find it somewhat bias in the listening and not as critical in some matters as possibly the book should be. Never the less a good listen

Excellent! Insightful! Highly Recommended!

Makes sense of the names and events throughout my 68 years. Creates a path from Malachi to Revelations. Excellent narration. Broadened my Hebrew vocabulary. Completed 18 hrs narrative in 4 days.

Succinct and well written.

Not knowing much about Israel other than what I’ve heard on the news over the years, this book illuminated the complexity of Jewish culture, and gives me hope for the human condition.

Great source info

It is important for everyone know the Story of Israel especially now . It’s concise and accurate and easy to read.

A must read

Excellently written. Too bad narration was by someone who obviously doesn't command the Hebrew language at all and wasn't trained to pronounce Hebrew words properly. As a Hebrew speaker this was annoying, but still I enjoyed the book very much.