Booklist
Even to his admirers (and there are many), Shimon Peres remains a frustratingly enigmatic figure. He is widely esteemed internationally as a statesman of the first order. Yet, although he has twice served as prime minister, Peres has never been a personally popular figure within Israel. Bar-Zohar has known Peres for years and received his full cooperation in writing this biography. In describing his subject's long and varied life, Bar-Zohar is consistently confronted with contradictions. Although often viewed as an intellectual, Peres has had little formal education, and although he often seems warm and engaging, many view him as chilly and detached. He speaks with the voice of moderation and compromise, but Peres' quarrels with other Israeli politicians are legendary for their length and vitriol. Bar-Zohar begins this engrossing saga with the shock of the assassination of Rabin, which elevated Peres to the position of prime minister. He then reverts to Peres' childhood in the Russian Empire and follows his rise to power in Israel. This is an excellent examination of a man who still remains a powerful actor on the stage of Israeli politics. Jay Freeman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
