How interesting that there were other possible locations for the Jewish state. I don’t know a lot about the history either, bits here and there, no side seems to come out of it well and I include the British here. Not histories, but I’ve always meant to read both Amos Oz and Marmoud Darwish and never done it. I’d love to know if you find any good books on the subject – and, ahem, no pressure, but I’m looking forward for your next review of a book on an African country, they are SO interesting.

Same! It’s really hard to find a history of the region where I don’t suspect the author of having ideological motives! That history is SO FRAUGHT, and even scholarly books tend to come at it with a very decided viewpoint on one side or another. The answer, I guess, is to read books on both sides of the ideological divide! So, you know, a proper time investment is the answer. Per uzhe. :p

I never did read the book! It does sound really really interesting though.

I think it’s just a way to explore some real-life issues in a different context? I wouldn’t exactly call it allegory, but certainly the relocation of the Jewish state allows the author to examine the guilt of the “good guys” in any war’s aftermath. If that makes sense?

I believe the reason the author thought of it is that the current location of the Jewish state was far from a foregone conclusion. One of the books I added to my list is “In the Shadow of Zion: Promised Lands before Israel”, which talks about other possible Jewish states that didn’t end up happening.