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Bezig met laden... Of Guns and Mulesdoor D. Lawrence-Young
THE WAR ROOM (257) Bezig met laden...
Meld je aan bij LibraryThing om erachter te komen of je dit boek goed zult vinden. Op dit moment geen Discussie gesprekken over dit boek. This is an historical novel about the ZMC, the Zion Mule Corps, and their contributions to the battle of Gallipoli and the effort to drive the Turks out of the Middle East. It's more of an historical account told in fictional form, though. In fact, it reads mainly like a memoir and if I had been told that David Levi, the main character, was an historical person that had simply recounted his tale to the author, I would not have been surprised. The author's knowledge of history makes for a story that rings more true than a "regular" historical novel, and instead of a fiction-writer's poetic flourishes, Lawrence-Young's story recounts the less than poetic experiences of these young heroes of “pre-Israel.” The story is the better for it, I think - I felt like I got a real taste of the dust and the anguish they lived through rather than an emotional experience - especially since I just returned from a trip to Israel where I traveled to some of the areas mentioned in this novel and I know just how true the author got his descriptions of the land. The story ends at the demobilization of the Jewish Legion, but if (as I hope) the author decides to write about the Haganah in a similar fashion, I will definitely read on. geen besprekingen | voeg een bespreking toe
When eighteen-year-old David Levi is arrested together with his father and friends and deported from their home in Palestine by the Turks, none of them knows what the future holds. But their spirits soar when they are offered the chance to enlist with the newly formed Zion Mule Corps, a service unit of Jewish soldiers commanded by the legendary ex-Russian war hero Joseph Trumpeldor. Their orders: to help the British army in its WWI Gallipoli offensive. David and his friends grow to manhood in the trenches, fighting first in the Zion Mule Corps and later with Zev Jabotinsky s dream unit, the Jewish Legion. Fighting from the Jerusalem Hills to Es-Salt, and from Es-Salt to Um Es-Shert near the Dead Sea, the Jewish Legion makes a significant contribution to General Allenby's successful drive to expel the Turks from Palestine. This eminently readable historical novel takes us on a journey to the dawning of the modern State of Israel, leading up to the days of the British Mandate for Palestine. Narrated with humour, gripping battle scenes, and a touching love story, "Of Guns & Mules" makes the history of pre-state Israel come alive. Geen bibliotheekbeschrijvingen gevonden. |
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David Levi and the others in the ZMC are sent to Gallipoli and it is there that the author, D. Lawrence-Young describes the terrors of wartime and what it was like for Jewish soldiers at this time in history. Avoiding shrapnel, malaria from black fly bites and heat exhaustion these soldiers bravely support the British troops. Some die, others are wounded. Many experience fatigue and injuries. In Gallipoli there are over 10,000 casualties and discouraged, the British withdraw their troops. The Zionist Mule Corps disbandons but the Jewish soldiers regroup into the 38th British battalion. More Jewish soldiers are recruited and a 39th battalion is formed and eventually a 40th battalion.
All these Jewish soldiers are hoping to fight for the freedom of Eretz Israel. They are stationed in Arab villages and eventually in Jerusalem. Under General Allenby's command the Turks are finally defeated and after ruling Palestine for 100 years the Turks are gone and the British are now in charge.
The author uses the main character of David Levi to help the reader understand what it was like to be a Jewish soldier from 1914 to 1918 fighting in the Middle East. While World War II was being fought, other battles in Palestine were taking place which also had a major impact on Jewish history. The roles of men like Allenby, Trumpeldor and Jabotinsky are revealed in this book. If you are curious about the history of Israel and the Jewish people, this book will hold your interest.
"Of Guns and Mules" is the story of an ordinary Jewish young man who finds himself in extraordinary circumstances. After reading this book you are able to understand better the longing that Jews had to live free and not be under either Turkish or British rule and the sacrifices they are willing to make to have this happen. The central character, David Levi is a young man who while caught in fighting to free the Jewish people is also preoccupied with the safety of his own family and his love for a young woman at home in Tel Aviv. His innocence, his fear of dying so young and his worries concerning his future all come together to tug at the heart of the reader.
The author promises to continue his story about David Levi becoming an officer in the Haganah and I hope he keeps his promise. I look forward to reading his next book on this subject. I recommend "Of Guns and Mules" to anyone interested in reading a novel that is rich in Jewish history and Zionist zeal! ( )