Books Like...
If you liked The Ethnic Cleansing Of Palestine, here are the top 100 books to read next:
A gripping, well-sourced, and necessary perspective on a century of struggle in Palestine - compelling and informative, but best approached as a key piece of a much bigger, ongoing conversation.
'The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler-Colonial Conquest and Resistance, 1917-2017' by Rashid Khalidi is a concise and informative account of the Palestinian history, detailing the struggles and injustices faced by the Palestinian people over the past century. Khalidi presents a thorough examination of the 100-year campaign to displace Palestinians from their land, starting in 1917, while also offering a balanced perspective that includes personal anecdotes and historical context. The author skillfully weaves together personal accounts, credible sources, and historical events to shed light on the impact of Zionism on Palestine and the ongoing conflict in the region.
At the turn of the twentieth century, before Zionist colonization had much appreciable effect on Palestine, new ideas were spreading, modern education and literacy had begun to expand, and the integra...January 2020•354 pagesComprehensive, thorough, and often thought-provoking - Righteous Victims is a cornerstone work for understanding the roots and realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, though its focus and perspective won't please everyone.
'Righteous Victims: A History of the Zionist-Arab Conflict, 1881-1998' by Benny Morris is a comprehensive and detailed account of the history of the Middle East conflict, delving deep into the archives to uncover the ups and downs of Israel's history. The book presents a pro-Israel perspective, addressing the complexities of the conflict and the actions taken by both Israelis and Palestinians. It discusses the challenges faced by Israel in dealing with security concerns and the difficult compromises it was willing to make for resolution, contrasting them with what is perceived as Palestinian refusals and preferences for terrorism.
The writing style of the book is described as lengthy, highly detailed, and well-balanced, providing a wealth of facts and data for readers interested in learning about the conflict. The author, Benny Morris, is praised for his thorough research and academic approach, making this book a valuable resource for those new to the subject as well as seasoned learners of the conflict. The book is noted for its focus on presenting historical facts and events that shape the ongoing conflict, offering a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved.
1999•831 pagesA thorough, nuanced, and sometimes unsettling deep-dive into the first Arab-Israeli War, ‘1948’ is vital reading for anyone hoping to move beyond national myths and really grapple with the roots of the ongoing conflict.
'1948: A History of the First Arab-Israeli War' by Benny Morris delves into the complexities and nuances of the events surrounding the Arab-Israeli conflict in 1948. Through meticulous research and detailed analysis, Morris uncovers the lesser-known aspects of this pivotal period, shedding light on key events such as the Deir Yassin massacre and the expulsion of populations from their homes. The narrative explores the motivations and actions of both Jewish and Arab communities, challenging traditional narratives and providing a comprehensive understanding of the historical context that shaped the conflict.
The War of 1948 was the almost inevitable result of more than half a century of Arab-Jewish friction and conflict that began with the arrival in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel), or Palestine, of th...1991•553 pagesA powerful, honest, and beautifully written portrait of modern Israel - passionate, complex, and sure to provoke thought. Essential reading for anyone curious about one of the world’s most complicated nations, though it might not satisfy those wanting a purely impartial chronicle.
"My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel" by Ari Shavit is a book that delves into the complexities of Israel's history, exploring both the triumphs and tragedies that have marked its existence. Shavit's writing style is described as open, emotionally challenging, and soulful. He presents a nuanced perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, addressing difficult questions and moral dilemmas faced by Israel while capturing the discordant realities of the country.
ON THE NIGHT OF APRIL 15, 1897, A SMALL, ELEGANT STEAMER IS EN route from Egypt’s Port Said to Jaffa. Thirty passengers are on board, twenty-one of them Zionist pilgrims who have come from London via...November 2013•464 pages- #5
Save:A vivid, thorough, and gripping account of Jerusalem’s pivotal moments in 1948. Perfect for history lovers, but be ready for a deep, sometimes intense dive into the complexities of the region.
'O Jerusalem' by Larry Collins is a captivating account of the formation of the state of Israel in 1948. Written by two journalists, the book reads like a novel, detailing the history of Israel's independence and the intense events that unfolded during that time. The authors provide unbiased insights into the dedication and commitment of Israel's people, showcasing the political maneuvering between Zionists, Arabs, and other factions in the quest to establish the Jewish homeland.
The narrative in 'O Jerusalem' is engaging, well-researched, and objective. The authors present a comprehensive view of the events leading up to the UN partition vote and the subsequent Arab-Israeli war, highlighting the strategies, strengths, and weaknesses of both sides. Through impressive research and firsthand accounts, the book offers a compelling retelling of the conflicts surrounding Israel's independence, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a foundational understanding of the Middle East situation.
IN THE AFTERNOON of Saturday, November 29, 1947, in a cavernous gray building that had once housed an ice-skating rink, in Flushing Meadow, New York, the delegates of fifty-six of the fifty-seven memb...1971•713 pages - #6
Save:A punchy, thought-provoking read for those hungry for a deeper dive into Israel-Palestine realities, but best for readers who appreciate strong viewpoints and have some background on the topic.
On Palestine by Ilan Pappe and Noam Chomsky is a collection of dialogues, interviews, and essays providing critical analysis and historical insight into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The book is described as offering a great discussion on the atrocities being committed by Israel currently, shedding light on the complex history and reality of the people caught up in the conflict. The writing style is praised for its informative nature, with some readers mentioning that the book reads like an interview, making it a straightforward and engaging read.
When Frank Barat and I sat with Noam Chomsky for a long discussion about Palestine we divided our conversation into three parts: a discussion on the past, focusing on understanding Zionism as a histor...March 2015•227 pages Avi Shlaim’s "The Iron Wall" is essential reading for anyone seeking a comprehensive, fair-minded account of Israel’s history with its neighbors - rich in detail, primary sources, and fresh perspectives, though not without its critics.
'The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World' by Avi Shlaim is a meticulously researched and scholarly account of the Arab-Israeli conflict, covering the history from the assertion of Israeli independence to 1999. Shlaim delves into the complexities of the conflict, discussing power relationships between Israel and the Arab world, the role of Zionism, and the dynamics of Israeli-American relations. The book presents a clear and unbiased history of the conflict, analyzing events such as the Camp David Accords, the Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty, and the Oslo agreements.
Shlaim's writing style is clear, precise, and engaging, making the historical events that have driven and shaped the region easily understandable. The book is praised for its thoroughness in covering the first 50 years of Israel's existence, its use of primary sources, and its honest attempt to make sense of the conflict, offering a valuable insight into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Arab conflicts.
December 1999•872 pagesA thoughtful, well-researched blend of personal story and historical context that brings complex Middle East issues down to the human level - ideal for anyone seeking to understand both sides, though it can be a dense and sometimes sobering read.
'The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East' by Sandy Tolan is a non-fiction work that narrates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the personal stories of Bashir, a Palestinian man, and Dalia, an Israeli woman, who share a history with the same house. delves into the complex history of the Middle East, providing a humanizing perspective on the conflict and showcasing the struggles faced by individuals on both sides. Tolan's writing style intertwines historical facts with personal narratives, offering a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing tensions in the region.
Bashir Khairi approached a mirror in the washroom of Israel’s West Jerusalem bus station. The young Arab man stood alone before a row of porcelain basins and leaned forward, studying himself. He turne...2006•387 pagesA thorough, well-researched, and dramatic history of the Six Day War - more political drama than battlefield chronicle, and essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the roots of the modern Middle East.
'Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East' by Michael B. Oren provides a comprehensive and well-balanced account of the Six Day War, covering the political aspects, military strategies, and diplomatic efforts leading up to and during the conflict. Oren's writing style is described as engaging and informative, offering a detailed narrative that includes perspectives from various sources involved in the war. delves into the complexities of the war, exploring the motivations and decisions of key players while presenting a thorough examination of the events that shaped the modern Middle East.
NIGHTTIME, DECEMBER 31, 1964—A squad of Palestinian guerrillas crosses from Lebanon into northern Israel. Armed with Soviet-made explosives, their uniforms supplied by the Syrians, they advance toward...2001•480 pagesA thoughtful, accessible, and critical overview of the Palestinian national struggle - highly recommended for understanding the bigger picture, even if it's not the last word on the subject.
Rashid Khalidi's book, 'The Iron Cage: The Story of the Palestinian Struggle for Statehood,' delves into the historical context of the Palestinian struggle for independence, starting from the 1920s to the Revolt of 1936 to 1939. Khalidi highlights the internal weaknesses of the Palestinians compared to Jewish immigrants, their lack of unity, education, and economic resources. He also discusses the failures in Palestinian political organization and the impact of external influences on their statehood aspirations.
The year 1948 was to prove so decisive for the history of the Palestinians that if one seeks to understand subsequent history, one must have a clear sense of how it changed their world. At the beginni...September 2006•288 pages
