My Country, My Life

Fighting for Israel, Searching for Peace

By: Ehud Barak

Narrated by: Ehud Barak, Jonathan Davis

Length: 20 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

The definitive audiobook memoir of one of Israel's most influential soldier-statesmen and one-time Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, with insights into forging peace in the Middle East.

In the summer of 2000, the most decorated soldier in Israel's history - Ehud Barak - set himself a challenge as daunting as any he had faced on the battlefield: to secure a final peace with the Palestinians. He would propose two states for two peoples, with a shared capital in Jerusalem. He knew the risks of failure. But he also knew the risks of not trying: letting slip perhaps the last chance for a generation to secure genuine peace.

It was a moment of truth.

It was one of many in a life intertwined, from the start, with that of Israel. Born on a kibbutz, Barak became commander of Israel's elite Special Forces, then army Chief of Staff, and ultimately, Prime Minister.

My Country, My Life tells the unvarnished story of his - and his country's - first seven decades; of its major successes, but also its setbacks and misjudgments. He offers candid assessments of his fellow Israeli politicians, of the American administrations with which he worked, and of himself. Drawing on his experiences as a military and political leader, he sounds a powerful warning: Israel is at a crossroads, threatened by events beyond its borders and by divisions within. The two-state solution is more urgent than ever, not just for the Palestinians, but for the existential interests of Israel itself. Only by rediscovering the twin pillars on which it was built - military strength and moral purpose - can Israel thrive.

A must-listen for anyone interested in international affairs and diplomacy.

©2018 Ehud Barak (P)2018 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"My Country, My Life is a rich and engrossing memoir from one of Israel's premier political leaders, who went from being a decorated soldier to a staunch advocate for peace. Ehud Barak's love for Israel pours through every page of this book, which makes his warnings about the country's future as a Jewish and democratic state all the more powerful, urgent, and real." (Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright)

Unbelievably Fantastic Book

An autobiography of an incredible person who modestly utilizes his life to tell much of the history of Israel. In doing so, Ehud Barak conveys the intrangience of both the Palestinian leadership and the far religious and nationalistic right in Israel to make peace, which unless halted will inexorably lead to a one state solution. Mr. Barak clearly explains why that would have awful repercussions for not only the Palestinians, but for Israel itself, including an extremely real threat to Israel's very existence as a Jewish State and Homeland. It was also very refreshing to read a book written by a politician who clearly cares more about his country, it's people, and, yes, even the Palestinians, than he does about using the book as a means for self-aggrandizement and for achieving political gain. Also, this great book was made even better by way of a super narrator.

Insightful, credible and thought-provoking

Listening to this book is like getting a firsthand account from George Washington on America's fight for independence. Regardless of party labels, this man is an Israeli hero. Mr. Barak presents an honest insight into his life as a soldier and politician, both high points and low points. He has always been willing to put his own life on the line to protect his country and his people - which he did on numerous occasions. He explains that a real and meaningful peace between Israelis and Palestinians is the most important and necessary component of Israel's long-term security, yet will require sacrifices and compromises on territory - on both sides - that many - on both sides - oppose. In striving to at least lay the groundwork for such a peace and co-existence during his Camp David meetings with Arafat, Barak understood he was very likely committing political suicide - all for nothing because of Arafat's gamesmanship.

The stories are fascinating - at times enjoyable and at other times difficult to listen to, but always appear to be credible and never self-promoting. His criticisms of other Israeli politicians are explained and not gratuitous.

The narration is superb.

gripping and immersing

I could not put down the book, it offers a truly inspiring account of the struggles of the people of Israel and their fight for survival both as a people and as a country

interesting

i wanted to read an autobiography and got one but also a lot of politics and israeli history. It was interesting and expectable but i personally was lore interesting in the person than the politics. it is well written however and ehud barak is a very interesting person, who contributed a lot to israels safety.

Inspiring!!!!!!

A must book. Thank you Ehud! So sad you are not leading Israel these days!!

Best book I have listened to in many years

I was so captivated by this book. It was so well written and I found myself not being able to stop listening. There was such humanity to this book and such an important message in it.