Moshe Dayan: Story of My Life

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Summary: The history of Israel from a first-person perspective
Review: Despite the title, this book is not really a biography of Moshe Dayan. Rather, it is a remarkably thorough, extremely well-written historical account of the background, execution, and consequences of Israel's major military conflicts.

This book begins biographically, as Dayan gives the basic details of his family's immigration to Israel and his early life at Deganiah and Nahalal. However, once the author comes to the point where he becomes involved in military affairs, he concentrates solely on that subject, leaving all other matters behind. However, since Moshe Dayan is perhaps the most important military figure in the modern history of Israel, this focus and perspective is most welcome. Dayan is so focused on recounting military matters that he glosses over even his time as Israel's Minister of Agriculture.

Those reading this book will find it to be one of the most fascinating and engaging military histories ever written. Dayan has a true knack for storytelling, and keeps his readers interested despite the wealth of details and analysis that he manages to convey. He does so in a frank and clear manner, making this book accessible even to readers with only a basic background in the history of Israel.

The only major flaw in this book is its ending. Dayan spends the final few chapters defending his actions during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, resulting in a defensive, even bitter tone. Perhaps this is to be expected, as the book was written shortly after Dayan's acrimonious exit from public office. In his defense, however, Dayan does frame this book as a personal account, and not an objective history.

All in all, this is one of the best books on the subject of Israeli history available, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the subject.

Rating:
Summary: What a Life Indeed!
Review: Moshe Dayan was one of the greatest military minds the world has ever produced, and yet, he was a man devoted to peace. He rose to incredible heights, but his heart belonged to the soil and to Israel's ancient past. His story is the story of a people and a nation. It is the story great joy and great sadness.

Dayan takes us on a journey not only into the ancient past, his present, but also offers insights into the future of the region and peace might be finally achieved. It is the book for anyone interested in not only Israel or military history, but wants to gain an understanding of events that effect us to this very day.

Rating:
Summary: What a life!
Review: This is the best book I have ever read about Israel and the Middle East. Dayan's clarity of vision, his professionalism, his magnetism and quality of leadership have been brought to bear in creating a vivid account of a crucial period of Middle East history.

The book recounts the history and anecdotes of the re-creation of the state of Israel from its new roots in 1915 through to the war of idependence 1948-1952, in which Dayan played a key role. Other sections cover his role as Chief of Staff(1953-1957), his particpation as government minister and then his return to private life (1958-1967), The Six Day War (1967), the reconstruction and bridge building efforts (1967-1973), The Yom Kippur War (1973) and finally the aftermath (1973-1975).

Moshe Dayan was a great general who served his country with honor, dignity and courage in the hours of their most dire need. As a soldier he was brilliant and as a caring human being he was exceptional. This unsentimental book written in a refreshing and informative style, says as much about the man as about his history - brilliant!...