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leahsbooks's review
4.0
This was an intriguing read. I listened to the audiobook, and Simon Vance did a wonderful job with the narration and the many terms in both Hebrew and Arabic, as well as smatterings of Yiddish, Russian, and the other languages that popped up throughout the story.
While I'm aware of what the Mossad is, I had no idea of the roots of it. And after watching a show about Eli Cohen, I was curious about the organization's roots. Today, I'm aware that more than half of the population of Israel is made up of Mizrahi Jews, but have only recently learned of the way that they were treated in the early days of the formation of the state, and this book certainly doesn't gloss over that. The Mizrahi Jews weren't treated equally and were definitely discriminated against in the early days, and that's described quite clearly in this story.
However, Jews from Arab countries offered immense value to what would eventually become the IDF and the Mossad, since they were fluent speakers of Arabic and were also well aware of Arabic customs in their own country, allowing them to easily pass amongst their neighbors as Arabs, something Ashkenazi Jews couldn't do. This was an important distinction, allowing them to pass as spies, a dangerous but vital function as Israel was struggling for its independence.
These brave men faced many struggles. Cut off from their families and communities, set adrift in countries hostile to them, far from the agency who had sent them off with little to no support, they were living lives were they weren't just pretending to be other people, but were also forced to disavow their own beliefs and profess hatred and murderous intent towards their own people. They had limited knowledge of what was actually happening in the burgeoning state of Israel, relying on only the Arab news reports of the war, and often witnessing open acts of violence towards fellow Jews.
In addition, they also saw some of their own fellow spies caught, tortured, and murdered in the line of duty. The material is well-researched, but aside from the interviews with the surviving member, it felt a little bit disconnected and dry. I struggled to feel a connection with the narrative, although the interviews made it feel more relatable, inserting the unique voice of the man behind the story.
While I'm aware of what the Mossad is, I had no idea of the roots of it. And after watching a show about Eli Cohen, I was curious about the organization's roots. Today, I'm aware that more than half of the population of Israel is made up of Mizrahi Jews, but have only recently learned of the way that they were treated in the early days of the formation of the state, and this book certainly doesn't gloss over that. The Mizrahi Jews weren't treated equally and were definitely discriminated against in the early days, and that's described quite clearly in this story.
However, Jews from Arab countries offered immense value to what would eventually become the IDF and the Mossad, since they were fluent speakers of Arabic and were also well aware of Arabic customs in their own country, allowing them to easily pass amongst their neighbors as Arabs, something Ashkenazi Jews couldn't do. This was an important distinction, allowing them to pass as spies, a dangerous but vital function as Israel was struggling for its independence.
These brave men faced many struggles. Cut off from their families and communities, set adrift in countries hostile to them, far from the agency who had sent them off with little to no support, they were living lives were they weren't just pretending to be other people, but were also forced to disavow their own beliefs and profess hatred and murderous intent towards their own people. They had limited knowledge of what was actually happening in the burgeoning state of Israel, relying on only the Arab news reports of the war, and often witnessing open acts of violence towards fellow Jews.
In addition, they also saw some of their own fellow spies caught, tortured, and murdered in the line of duty. The material is well-researched, but aside from the interviews with the surviving member, it felt a little bit disconnected and dry. I struggled to feel a connection with the narrative, although the interviews made it feel more relatable, inserting the unique voice of the man behind the story.
diannel_04's review
4.0
Imagine you are a spy but because your country doesn't yet exist you are dumped in a country with no backup and no safety net. This is the reality for the four young men at the centre of this book. Because they are Jews from Arab countries they are the perfect men to be sent into Lebanon during the 1948 war to gather intelligence for the new State of Israel. This was a fascinating book. I really admire the courage of people like this.
arevikheboyan's review
5.0
A story of knowing your enemy, of strong determination, the importance of knowing the language, having an aim, becoming a teacher, and living the life of not your own.
tetedump's review
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Xenophobia, Police brutality, and War
libraryjen's review
3.0
Friedman's meticulous research and passion for the subject are obvious throughout this book. As he tells the story of Israel's first spies, sent out before Israel was even officially a country, the reader learns about one of the fascinating episodes in Jewish history.
Despite having never heard this story before and being a fan of historical nonfiction, this book just didn't grab me. I found myself interested enough each time I picked it up, but not interested enough to pick it up that often. I began it on December 8th and finished it on February 21st, during which time I finished 47 other books - this speaks volumes! The publisher's blurb makes it sound like this novel is full of intrigue and suspense, a lot like a Tom Clancy or Dale Brown novel. Sadly, though the intrigue, betrayal, and danger are all there - there just wasn't any suspense. I felt no emotion while reading this book. Sure, the facts were interesting enough and I continued reading, but the only compulsion I ever felt to pick the book back up was guilt because I accepted the book in exchange for providing a review. Honestly, had I not felt obligated to complete a review, I may not have finished the book. But, I contrast that with the fact that each time I did pick it up, I read without boredom.
So, I'm giving this one 3 stars: 2 for the actual book itself and a bonus 1 for the obvious research that went into making sure it was an accurate portrayal of a story that really needs to be told.
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Despite having never heard this story before and being a fan of historical nonfiction, this book just didn't grab me. I found myself interested enough each time I picked it up, but not interested enough to pick it up that often. I began it on December 8th and finished it on February 21st, during which time I finished 47 other books - this speaks volumes! The publisher's blurb makes it sound like this novel is full of intrigue and suspense, a lot like a Tom Clancy or Dale Brown novel. Sadly, though the intrigue, betrayal, and danger are all there - there just wasn't any suspense. I felt no emotion while reading this book. Sure, the facts were interesting enough and I continued reading, but the only compulsion I ever felt to pick the book back up was guilt because I accepted the book in exchange for providing a review. Honestly, had I not felt obligated to complete a review, I may not have finished the book. But, I contrast that with the fact that each time I did pick it up, I read without boredom.
So, I'm giving this one 3 stars: 2 for the actual book itself and a bonus 1 for the obvious research that went into making sure it was an accurate portrayal of a story that really needs to be told.
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.