Summaries of books about Middle Eastern History:
Israel
A Concise History of a Nation Reborn
Daniel Gordis
The book provides an overview of the history of Israel from its ancient roots to its modern incarnation as a Jewish state, examining the cultural, religious, and political forces that have shaped its identity. It delves into the complexities of Israeli society, the challenges it has faced, and the achievements of its people in the face of ongoing conflict and adversity.
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The Lion's Gate
On the Front Lines of the Six Day War
Steven Pressfield
The book presents a detailed narrative of the Six Day War of 1967, told through the firsthand accounts of Israeli pilots, tank commanders, paratroopers, and infantrymen who fought on the front lines. It combines historical context with personal experiences to provide an immersive account of the conflict from the perspective of those who lived it.
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Yasmeena's Choice
A True Story of War, Rape, Courage and Survival
Jean Sasson
The book recounts the harrowing experiences of a young Lebanese woman, Yasmeena, who was captured and repeatedly raped during the Kuwait-Iraq war. It details her struggle for survival, the brutality she endured as a prisoner, and her eventual path to recovery and empowerment after the war.
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Married To A Bedouin
Marguerite van Geldermalsen
The book is a memoir of a New Zealand-born nurse who falls in love with a Bedouin souvenir-seller from Petra, Jordan, and decides to marry him. It details her life adjustment to the nomadic culture, living in a cave with her husband's family, and the customs and daily experiences of the Bedouin community.
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In the Shadow of the Sword
The Birth of Islam and the Rise of the Global Arab Empire
Tom Holland
The book delves into the origins and early expansion of Islam, examining historical and religious contexts of the 7th century. It explores how the Arab Empire rose to prominence, reshaping the political and religious landscape of the time.
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A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea
The Journey of Doaa Al Zamel: One Teen Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival
Melissa Fleming
The book recounts the harrowing journey of Doaa Al Zamel, a Syrian teenager who flees her war-torn country and survives a perilous sea crossing to Europe. It details her struggles as a refugee, the sinking of her overcrowded boat, and her fight for survival adrift at sea, clinging to life and the hope of a safe future.
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The Great War for Civilisation
The Conquest of the Middle East
Robert Fisk
The book is a comprehensive account of the modern history and conflicts in the Middle East, drawing on the author's extensive experience as a journalist in the region. It covers a range of topics including the Iran-Iraq War, the Lebanese Civil War, the Gulf War, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, providing personal narratives and interviews alongside historical analysis.
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The Story of the Jews
Finding the Words 1000 BC-1492 AD
Simon Schama
The book traces the history of the Jewish people from their early scripture-bound beginnings through the Middle Ages, exploring their culture, beliefs, and struggles. It delves into their contributions to the world in various fields and the challenges they faced, including exile, persecution, and the constant fight to preserve their identity.
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Lost Islamic History
Reclaiming Muslim Civilisation from the Past
Firas Alkhateeb
The book provides an overview of the significant events, figures, and achievements that have shaped Islamic history from its inception up to modern times. It aims to shed light on the often overlooked contributions of Muslim civilization to various fields such as science, culture, and politics.
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The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit
A Jewish Family's Exodus from Old Cairo to the New World (P.S.)
Lucette Lagnado
The book recounts the true story of a Jewish family's journey from a life of comfort and status in cosmopolitan Cairo, following the rise of the Nasser regime, to their forced exile and struggle to rebuild a new life in the United States. It centers on the figure of the author's father, a dapper boulevardier, and the family's experiences of loss, adaptation, and resilience amidst the backdrop of political upheaval and cultural displacement.
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