Sunday 21 June 2015

Review of “The Hope”



The Hope is a historical novel by Herman Wouk set in the Middle East during the time of the establishment during the state of Israel. It is a very moving story based on historical facts. It chronicles the sacrifices, dedication, tenacity and hope of the Israelis in the midst of overwhelming opposition to the founding of the state of Israel.

The resilience, pride and dedication to the Israeli cause are astonishing. Zev Barak, Don Kishote, Yael Luria are characters who in diverse ways dedicate their lives for the cause. Historical characters such as Ben Gurion among others feature prominently in the novel.

The fight against the Arab States, the strategy and sheer audacity in the face of what seemed like inevitable defeat make this defeat highly commendable. The writing style of Wouk is very lively. He breathes life into his characters. He mixes fiction with history in a very interesting and commendable way. The novel is thrilling and full of suspense.

The reader feels the pain, hope, sadness, loss in the novel. The reader more or less feels part of the unfolding story. The ability of Herman Wouk to make you feel like a witness or a participant in the unfolding events makes “The Hope” a must read.

However, some characters made the ultimate sacrifice in order that others may live and realize the dream. This is a story that saddens as well as inspires. It proves that no matters the odds, you can shatter the odds create hope and win through imagination, dedication and audacity.

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