Jerusalem Vigil

Rating:
Summary: Zion Legacy series
Review: After reading this book, I discovered that it was #1 in a series of 5 published by the Thoenes. I immediately purchased the other 4, took them with me on vacation and was fully immersed in the mutiple story lines. For someone who likes historical fiction, this series is an absolute must. The appreciation for diverse cultures is handled in a very respectful way. The timeframe is 1948 following the declaration of the independent state of Israel. The series not only tells about the strife around Jerusalem but relates Old and New Testament stories in an innovative way.

Rating:
Summary: Zion Legacy series
Review: After reading this book, I discovered that it was #1 in a series of 5 published by the Thoenes. I immediately purchased the other 4, took them with me on vacation and was fully immersed in the mutiple story lines. For someone who likes historical fiction, this series is an absolute must. The appreciation for diverse cultures is handled in a very respectful way. The timeframe is 1948 following the declaration of the independent state of Israel. The series not only tells about the strife around Jerusalem but relates Old and New Testament stories in an innovative way.

Rating:
Summary: Sure bet for a great read
Review: For fans of Bodie Thoene's Zion Chronicles books, "Jerusalem Vigil" and its sequel, "Thunder from Jerusalem" are like the first heavy rains after a long drought; much anticipated and a great relief when the wait is finally over. "Jerusalem Vigil" picks up immediately where the 1988 book "The Key to Zion" left off, in the first week of the life of the infant yet ancient nation of Israel in 1948. Haganah defender Moshe Sachar and his pregnant wife, Rachel, are central characters and they are joined by old friends from yet another Zion series, Jacob and Lori Kalner,and Alfie Halder. Though there has been a time lapse of over twelve years between the publishing of the last book in the Chronicles and the beginning of this Zion Legacy series, the stories flow smoothly together and the characters are just as vividly alive as they were a decade ago. However, you do not have to read the five books in the Zion Chronicles to understand and enjoy the action in "Jerusalem Vigil" and "Thunder from Jerusalem"; there is enough background information given for these novels to stand alone. Bodie's books are all wonderfully written with characters that are so well-drawn and stories that are so historically accurate that you forget that you are reading fiction. As a matter of fact, these two novels will provide any reader with timely insights into the struggles and battles happening in present-day Jerusalem. The parallels are simply stunning and it is amazing to think about how the timing of the release of these two novels coincides with the reemergence of fighting in the long-standing enmity between Jews and Palestinians in Israel. On the whole, eachof these books provides a great read for both men and women with their stories of love and war, told with grit, tenderness, and a fascinating secret about a centuries-old library hidden beneath the Temple Mount. I give "Jerusalem Vigil" and "Thunder from Jerusalem" the highest rating and I urge you to read them, along with the many other titles in Bodie Thoene's library. You will not only not be able to put these books down, you will also have a hard time reading any other author after you finish.

Rating:
Summary: Read the two other series first!
Review: For fans of Bodie Thoene's Zion Chronicles books, "Jerusalem Vigil" and its sequel, "Thunder from Jerusalem" are like the first heavy rains after a long drought; much anticipated and a great relief when the wait is finally over. "Jerusalem Vigil" picks up immediately where the 1988 book "The Key to Zion" left off, in the first week of the life of the infant yet ancient nation of Israel in 1948. Haganah defender Moshe Sachar and his pregnant wife, Rachel, are central characters and they are joined by old friends from yet another Zion series, Jacob and Lori Kalner,and Alfie Halder. Though there has been a time lapse of over twelve years between the publishing of the last book in the Chronicles and the beginning of this Zion Legacy series, the stories flow smoothly together and the characters are just as vividly alive as they were a decade ago. However, you do not have to read the five books in the Zion Chronicles to understand and enjoy the action in "Jerusalem Vigil" and "Thunder from Jerusalem"; there is enough background information given for these novels to stand alone. Bodie's books are all wonderfully written with characters that are so well-drawn and stories that are so historically accurate that you forget that you are reading fiction. As a matter of fact, these two novels will provide any reader with timely insights into the struggles and battles happening in present-day Jerusalem. The parallels are simply stunning and it is amazing to think about how the timing of the release of these two novels coincides with the reemergence of fighting in the long-standing enmity between Jews and Palestinians in Israel. On the whole, eachof these books provides a great read for both men and women with their stories of love and war, told with grit, tenderness, and a fascinating secret about a centuries-old library hidden beneath the Temple Mount. I give "Jerusalem Vigil" and "Thunder from Jerusalem" the highest rating and I urge you to read them, along with the many other titles in Bodie Thoene's library. You will not only not be able to put these books down, you will also have a hard time reading any other author after you finish.

Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece of Truth
Review: History is repeating itself, and one need only to read the riviting account of Israel's fight for independance in Jerusalem's Vigil to realize this. Jerusalem's Vigil is more than a piece of literature, or a spell-binding story. It is a masterpiece of truth, giving insight into the reality of a time not far behind us when Israel clung tenaciously to the last piece of earth they could call home. It brings together ancient prophecies with modern realities. History books can only tell you the cold facts. They cannot give you a glimpse into the lives, the hearts, and the emotion of such a turbulent time. This book might be categorized as historical fiction, yet the facts are not creations of a brilliant imagination. The lives of the characters portrayed in Jerusalem's Vigil and it's sequel are echoes of countless lives that lived and died in that struggle. There were Moshes and Rachaels, Rabbis and soldiers, Arab Christians and Jihad soldiers that lived out the details that are so intricately woven into the tapestry of Jerusalem's Vigil. To pass this off as merely fiction is a mistake, and to ignore the truths it presents us with is a grave error. Read this book and understand the lives of multitudes that lived through it. Then look at our world now, and see if this could not happen again. Yes, this book is phenomenal and well worth your time. If you enjoy well written literature you will most assuredly enjoy this book, and others by the Thoenes. However, I believe Jerusalem's Vigil is more than that, and you will find it's depth for yourself when you read.

Rating:
Summary: Reveals the True Origins of Terrorism
Review: I feel like I've re-learned all the history of the Middle-East. This book shows what Israel has been dealing with for nearly sixty years since they were made a nation. I'll never believe another pro-Palestine news story.

Rating:
Summary: The Jewish Alamo
Review: In an interview for the release of this book, Bodie tells how John Wayne referred to this story as the Jewish Alamo. I love it! That truly sums up the intense meaning of the story surrounding the struggles for a Jewish state in 1948. This compelling saga leaves you anxious for the sequel due out in October. I can hardly wait! I highly reccommend Jerusalem Vigil to anyone and everyone, and am pleased to see that a secular company realized what a wonderful team of writers Brock and Bodie are. You will be missing out on an integral piece of history and a spellbinding reading experience if you fail to read this book.

Rating:
Summary: Historical fiction at its finest!
Review: Jerusalem Vigil is perhaps the most intense historical fiction I have ever read. I am a fan of Rutherfurd, who is interesting, but, like Mitchner, tends to slow and does not have the personal character development the Thoene writings always have in their stories. It is interesting that anyone would compare their fiction to a history book like O Jerusalem which is...well...history, lacking the heart of a work of fiction. The reality is, as far as subject matter and accurate retelling of a dramatic, sometimes tragic and difficult time, Thoenes have outwritten Wouk, Uris, Mitchner etc. on the subject matter. They also include a spiritual dimension to their characters which seems totally appropriate since Jerusalem and Israel has been the scene of spiritual conflict for ages. Far from being stereo-typical, the characters of Jerusalem Vigil include a look into the lives of two Arab orphans caught in the middle of a war they did not want to fight; non-Jews fighting beside Jews for a Jewish homeland; Jewish characters who have a depth and insight which Christians maybe should pay attention to. i.e. Dr. Baruch, who speaks of 2000 years of persecution. If anyone at all could find something to object to in the dramatic presentation and execution of this fine work it is because they resent the acknowledgement by these authors that there is a God who loves Israel and has kept his promises to his chosen people. That theme is throughout the book. Personally I found that to be something I need to be reminded of in a world which has forgotten the Holocaust and still vilifies the Jewish people and the nation of Israel at every turn. We need more books like this to remind us that Israel is not just a political state, but a spiritual entity with a place forever in the divine plan of an awesome God. Keep writing Thoenes, there is no writer to compare with you.

Rating:
Summary: Prejudice and Pride?
Review: Jerusalem Vigil may be technically well written but it becomes upon reading unhistorical fiction that unfortunately powerfully reinforces "evil Arab" stereotypes. The action and historical events, while very compelling, end up getting lost in sinister slurs and innuendo. The malevolent Arab enemy is a hook-nosed slaughterer of innocents. A Muslim child ends up "seeing the light", despite his implied evil Arab upbringing and environment, due to the kindness of his Jewish counterparts in the very end of the story. At a low point in the story, there is even an implied caring versus remote-idol difference drawn between the God of Israel and Allah! Perhaps since most of the audience will be Christian, they are treated in a positive light with the exception of one anti-Semitic monk who also ends up "seeing the light". An evil character or two is expected in any story about war but implying a totally evil culture and religion in the context of a purported historically accurate work renders this novel questionable in its motives and message. It is unfortunate that what could have been a great and admirable read about the compelling birth of a nation and the fears and hopes of the returning persecuted Jewish Diaspora is lost in one-sided negative stereotypes and prejudices.

Rating:
Summary: Prejudice and Pride?
Review: Jerusalem Vigil may be technically well written but it becomes upon reading unhistorical fiction that unfortunately powerfully reinforces "evil Arab" stereotypes. The action and historical events, while very compelling, end up getting lost in sinister slurs and innuendo. The malevolent Arab enemy is a hook-nosed slaughterer of innocents. A Muslim child ends up "seeing the light", despite his implied evil Arab upbringing and environment, due to the kindness of his Jewish counterparts in the very end of the story. At a low point in the story, there is even an implied caring versus remote-idol difference drawn between the God of Israel and Allah! Perhaps since most of the audience will be Christian, they are treated in a positive light with the exception of one anti-Semitic monk who also ends up "seeing the light". An evil character or two is expected in any story about war but implying a totally evil culture and religion in the context of a purported historically accurate work renders this novel questionable in its motives and message. It is unfortunate that what could have been a great and admirable read about the compelling birth of a nation and the fears and hopes of the returning persecuted Jewish Diaspora is lost in one-sided negative stereotypes and prejudices.