My favorite book of ALL Time

I'm very afraid that nothing I say is going to do this book justice, but I'm going to try. I read this book when I was a senior in High-School and I loved it then. That was 7 years ago. I've been requesting this book for a while so needless to say, I was overjoyed when I found it on audible this morning. What attracted me to this novel from the beginning was my fascination with Israel and how it became a nation in 1948. I had just returned from a trip to Israel 6 months before I read Exodus for the first time. so I knew a lot of the history. This book brought back not only knowledge but also memories of places in Israel where I had gone. It was bitter-sweet. This novel makes me feel like I'm coming home. What tugged at my heart about this novel the most was the characters. To me, these are some of the best in literature. You really get to see who these people are. They make mistakes, they laugh, they love, they quarrel, Etc., and the reader feels all that. Uris really brings out the conflicts, the emotions, the tension, Etc. so very well. I feel like I am inside the book. I'm on chapter 10, but I'm already hooked. The narrator does a good job I think. If you have any kind of interest in Israel, I'd say read this book. I love it and can't wait to finish it. To me, this book is like a pair of worn jeans. It just feels good. I hope audible puts up Trinity and Redemption next. Thank you audible. You have no idea how happy you've made me today.:)

53 people found this helpful

Has changed my life

This is THE most redeeming story I have ever read or listen to. I was moved to tears many times, Not because of the the extreme sadness in the story, but because of the love and compassion that is shown. A story based on fiction could never carry the power that is in this story because it is true, and you can feel that the entire time you're reading it.

12 people found this helpful

For my 100th audible book the very best

I always look for book to learn better than to entertain; but his book has it all. You can learn and have an excellent listen wanting more all the time.
Listening at 2x is perfect narration is also great. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

11 people found this helpful

Important book, not a good one

I wanted to read Exodus because of the author and the fact that it is well known as an important book about the creation of Israel. I learned quite a bit of history, so I don't entirely regret the time I spent, but this is not good literature. The characters are shallow stereotypes whose actions and stories are always a difficult to believe. No depth or complexity complicates their stories. Just as problematic to me was that the book READS like propaganda. I was (and still am) sympathetic to the Jewish story described herein. However, the book reads like mythology, not history. Only one perspective is ever presented, and the heroes of the story are almost supernatural while the villains are predictably cowardly, sinister, and incompetent. I feel strongly compelled toward further research of this history in order to find some truth that I can understand and believe.

8 people found this helpful

a classic which conveys the spirit of israel..

A classic which conveys the spirit of israel.. Written over 50 years ago yet as powerful as ever.

7 people found this helpful

A Classic Done Wonderfully

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Paul Michael is a fabulous narrator. He handles characters as diverse as a Hagganah soldier and a teen aged girl with equal aplomb, A Master.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ari Ben-Canaan

Which character – as performed by Paul Michael – was your favorite?

Ari Ben-Canaan

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

.

Any additional comments?

.

7 people found this helpful

Uris Masterpiece

Where does Exodus rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

That is hard to say. I listened to Exodus many years ago with a different reader. I liked that version better. This reader was good,though. I gave him four stars. The book is an all time favorite. I read it many years ago and fell in love with Israel and Leon Uris. I love all his books.I would love to see you do QBVII.

What did you like best about this story?

The history of the Holocaust and the building of the state of Israel.The characters and their trials stay with you for a long time.This is a very heartwrenching book. If you don't want a lump in your throat,don't bother with this one.

What about Paul Michael’s performance did you like?

This was a smooth performance. The only critique I could think of,was a slight lack of passion.That might be my taste. When I read Uris I always feel over the top emotionally.It was a wee bit dry to me.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I could hardly stop even though I had read the book and listened to it before.Leon Uris is a very exciting writer.If you haven't read him before,Exodus is the one to start with.

Any additional comments?

No

10 people found this helpful

Best. Book. Ever.

There is no better novel to read -- to understand the human story. Best book ever.

3 people found this helpful

Heartwrenching, thrilling and excellent

This is one of the greatest stories I've ever heard. I can't remember a time when I cried so often about a book and its content. Some passages are so gut-wrenching. One might think this is a bad thing but it isn't. It shows how very impressive it is and captivating. If you are interested in jewish history, you have to read or hear this book.
I can recommend the book a 100%! I will hear it more than once.

7 people found this helpful

More history of Israel, less novel; still liked it

This "novel" is one I have meant to read for years. I read and enjoyed other Uris novel when I was young. I wanted to learn more about the founding of Israel. I knew that I would be getting a Jewish slant on things. The novel touches on the Holocaust and World War 2, with most of the story focusing on events after the war leading to the founding of Israel. I am not Jewish, but read things that might give me some perspective on the Middle East. While I realize that there are two sides to every story, I did learn a lot. This book is long. About half of it feels like a novel, and half feels like an historical narrative. It feels a little like the Wouk novels of World War 2, except Wouk's story's felt like novels throughout, with a lot of historical backdrop. Exodus has so much more descriptive history, and it was a little choppy the way he wove in and out of his novel. That said, there were powerful moments, and I did learn a lot. A book has to be pretty good for me to stay with it for 29 hours. The narrator was great. I'm glad I listened.

5 people found this helpful