Great overview of Middle East troubles

Coming into this book, I had only a rudimentary knowledge of the Six Day War, and I probably often got it confused with the Yom Kippur war or the 1958 Sinai incident. The book managed to indoctrinate me into what the author calls the Middle East “Context” and I am finding that I am looking at the current events in the area with new eyes.

The book is split into four distinct sections. The first deals with an abbreviated history of the Arab-Israeli conflict and provides a summary of the 1948 and 1958 wars, the rise of the dictatorships in the neighboring countries (especially Nassar in Egypt). The second portion deals at length with the events and diplomacy that led up to the war. The third portion deals with the military and political maneuvering that went on during the actual armed conflict. Finally the end of the book provides a “wrap up,” describing how the major players ended up and what the war did to change the political landscape of the area.

The author manages to dramaticize many of the decisions quite well -- the Liberty incident as narrated in the book is a real nail-biter, as is the initial Israeli first-strike on the Egyptians. Oren reminds me a bit of Shelby Foote ("A Narrative History of the Civil War") in how his writing turns the history into drama in places. The pathos of the historical characters is wonderful as well: Nassar of Egypt is a classic flawed and corrupted ruler, and I liked the idea of Anwar Sadat as Achilles brooding in his tent; Dianne, Rabin, LBJ, Eban and the others play out like characters in a Shakespearian drama in places. Though you know how it all will play out, there is a great deal of pleasure in hearing it play out.

For me, the book was very revealing. I’d recommend the book for anyone who would like an entertaining “primer” into the history of the modern Middle East and into the historical Israeli outlook in the region.

46 people found this helpful

Really 2 Books in One . . .

In reality, this book seemed like two separate books. Other than a brief history of Israel, the first half dealt primarily with the attempt to defuse the "Six Day War" via diplomacy. The second half dealt with the war itself, and briefly discussed the war's aftermath.

The second half of the book is intense and really keeps your interest. There are many interesting stories about the war and Israel's attempt to keep it going on long enough to meet their objectives before the U.N. stepped in. Although I knew that the war was a rout, I had no idea how badly the Arab countries were beaten during those 6 days and the long term ramifications of the war. The author does a good job of bringing these points home.

The first half of the book doesn't shine as bright. I don't know how many times the same scenario was repeated with different characters. The statement - "We won't back you if you start the war, but if you are attacked, we'll back you" was repeated so many times, you start to forget where you are. For those who are history buffs (and know all the players involved) this may be a goldmine of information, however IMHO the first half of the book could use some healthy editing.

That being said, the book is still worth a 4-5 star rating. The strengths of the 2nd half of the book EASILY make up for the repetitive nature of the first half.

39 people found this helpful

Fantastic!

This book is just great. I was afraid that this book might be a dry academic treatment of this war and the history surrounding it. It is very clearly a scholarly work, and yet it reads like a novel. The pace is intense and relentless; the narrator is great. After listening to this book it is not difficult to understand why the middle east is as screwed up as it is. Buy this book, you won't sorry.

27 people found this helpful

Required Reading

Oren takes a Cornelius Ryan (The Longest Day, A Bridge Too Far, etc) approach to telling the story of this conflict. With apologies to Mr Ryan, Mr Oren's research is, indeed, definitive. The reader/listener is immediately engaged in all aspects of the war from the highest political decision making down to the experience of the individual soldier and pilot. Mr Oren makes his case- that modern middle eastern issues are a direct result of the making and outcome of this conflict-superbly. As in Mr Ryan's works, the writing is riveting and exciting. Mr Whitfield's reading is, as is his standard, eloquent and entertaining.

19 people found this helpful

In-depth, un-biased, and delightful to listen to

Michael Oren has done a superb job with this overview of one of the most important wars of the second half of the 20th century. Oren breathes life into the arcane political machinations of all the players; the US, Israel, the Arab States, the UN, and the USSR. It is fascinating to see in such vivid detail how each party viewed the others and their own actions. I sat on the edge of my car seat waiting to find out if Israel would attack Egypt or Egypt invade the Negev, even though what happened is so well known. The consumate skill of the narrator only added to joy of listening.

Overall this book is a refreshingly honest look at a conflict that is so often characterized by cliches and hyperbole. You will come away with a greater understanding of the Israeli-Arab conflict and a greater appreciation for the nuances and ambiguities that dominate the region's politics.

9 people found this helpful

Bit of history will told!

This was a great account of the Six Day War. It gives excellent background information that helps one understand the dynamics of Middle East tensions then and now. Maps are helpful. I bought a Middle Eastern atlas...helpful for this book and other historical narratives as well. The narration is well-done, as is the writing. If you desire a better understanding of this period of time in the Mid-East, consider this book. It is excellent.

8 people found this helpful

A definitive account

What made the experience of listening to Six Days of War the most enjoyable?

The title to this audiobook is somewhat misleading as this is really about the events which led up to the war as well as an almost minute by minute recounting of the combat. About half of the book is devoted to each. With almost 50 years elapsed, and with access to a seemingly treasure trove of historical documents, Oren has pieced together a finely detailed, arguably definitive recounting of the momentous events which reshaped the Middle East, founded the “modern” state of Israel, and propelled a generation of religious and sectarian conflict since. For readers of history, those with an interest in the Middle East, Israel, or the interplay (or failures) of diplomacy and warfare, there is lots here to captivate – from the larger than life political and military leaders, to the half-hearted efforts of diplomacy, to the military strategy and tactics involved. Oren takes pains to move the narrative along by balancing the goings on of all sides during the inexorable march to war and thereafter and there are the occasional revelations, some of which I found genuinely startling. While this could have formed the basis of a suspenseful page turner, the focus here is really on factual information told (and capably narrated) in a straightforward manner yet I found the results anything but dry or plodding. My only criticisms are that the maneuvering of forces and locations of battles are at times, difficult to follow without benefit of maps. As well, the cessation of the war, aftermath, and ramifications are dealt with comparatively briefly. Nevertheless, I would say these are relatively minor and that this book is well worth a listen.

7 people found this helpful

This Is A Story That Defies All Odds

This is a story about Israel's existence that can only be explained by divine intervention. The military screw ups and scenes by the Arab opposing forces are similar to scenes in the Bible where God fought the battles for ancient Israel, i.e., large enemy forces fleeing out of unexplained fear, confusion among Arab forces, the leaving behind of large amounts of weapons & war supplies, hot food left on the tables of Arab homes in a suddenly-vacated city, etc. Although author Michael Oren does not credit God with any of these incredible happenings, a student of the Bible will begin to see the Hand of God. One thing, however, is for certain: The Arab order of battle, initial Arab air superiority, the vast numbers of Arab armies and war supplies against the world's 100th smallest nation, Israel, can only leave the secular reader with one conclusion: Israel shouldn't have been able to win this war. But they did, and it was against all odds!

7 people found this helpful

Very Difficult to Follow

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I think those who have an indepth knowledge of the places, politics and charaacters prior to listening to this book. I thought I was going to be able to follow it but there was too much detail and I got lost in all the characters and locations. As one person said in their feedback....listen with a map at hand.

Would you be willing to try another book from Michael B. Oren? Why or why not?

Probably not.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I didn't really care for his voice so it was hard for me to listen.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It probably would be a very good listen for those studying historical facts, who already has points of reference prior to listening...It's not for the casual listener. To sum it up...I was looking for a novel and this came across more like a textbook.

7 people found this helpful

Outstanding!

This is the way a definitive work on a major military battle should read. Oren's thorough research comes through with amazing levels of detail in both the Israeli and Arab decision-makers and planning staffs, as well as U.S. and UN actions and behind-the-scenes considerations. Amazingly, Oren found a way to cram this book with tons of details, but I never found myself getting bored or lost in the data--probably due to great writing and narration.

Oren's account of the 6-Day War drives home the point that Clausewitz made long ago: "War is politics by other means." Until you understand the political drives, the personalities calling the shots, the miscommunications, the hidden agendas and the historical perspective, you will not truly understand why any given war occurs or how it ends, and if the resulting peace is truly lasting or if it is going to lead to more conflict.

As I read this book, the 2006 Israeli-Lebanon conflict was just heating up. I found the historical insights in this book invaluable in understanding some of the context of the current conflict.

7 people found this helpful