Jerusalem Vigil

After reading this book, I discovered that it was #1 in a series of 5 published by the Thoenes. I immediately purchased the other 4, took them with me on vacation and was fully immersed in the mutiple story lines. For someone who likes historical fiction, this series is an absolute must. The appreciation for diverse cultures is handled in a very respectful way. The timeframe is 1948 following the declaration of the independent state of Israel. The series not only tells about the strife around Jerusalem but relates Old and New Testament stories in an innovative way.

For fans of Bodie Thoene's Zion Chronicles books, "Jerusalem Vigil" and its sequel, "Thunder from Jerusalem" are like the first heavy rains after a long drought; much anticipated and a great relief when the wait is finally over. "Jerusalem Vigil" picks up immediately where the 1988 book "The Key to Zion" left off, in the first week of the life of the infant yet ancient nation of Israel in 1948. Haganah defender Moshe Sachar and his pregnant wife, Rachel, are central characters and they are joined by old friends from yet another Zion series, Jacob and Lori Kalner,and Alfie Halder. Though there has been a time lapse of over twelve years between the publishing of the last book in the Chronicles and the beginning of this Zion Legacy series, the stories flow smoothly together and the characters are just as vividly alive as they were a decade ago. However, you do not have to read the five books in the Zion Chronicles to understand and enjoy the action in "Jerusalem Vigil" and "Thunder from Jerusalem"; there is enough background information given for these novels to stand alone. Bodie's books are all wonderfully written with characters that are so well-drawn and stories that are so historically accurate that you forget that you are reading fiction. As a matter of fact, these two novels will provide any reader with timely insights into the struggles and battles happening in present-day Jerusalem. The parallels are simply stunning and it is amazing to think about how the timing of the release of these two novels coincides with the reemergence of fighting in the long-standing enmity between Jews and Palestinians in Israel. On the whole, eachof these books provides a great read for both men and women with their stories of love and war, told with grit, tenderness, and a fascinating secret about a centuries-old library hidden beneath the Temple Mount. I give "Jerusalem Vigil" and "Thunder from Jerusalem" the highest rating and I urge you to read them, along with the many other titles in Bodie Thoene's library. You will not only not be able to put these books down, you will also have a hard time reading any other author after you finish.

Jerusalem Vigil is perhaps the most intense historical fiction I have ever read. I am a fan of Rutherfurd, who is interesting, but, like Mitchner, tends to slow and does not have the personal character development the Thoene writings always have in their stories. It is interesting that anyone would compare their fiction to a history book like O Jerusalem which is...well...history, lacking the heart of a work of fiction. The reality is, as far as subject matter and accurate retelling of a dramatic, sometimes tragic and difficult time, Thoenes have outwritten Wouk, Uris, Mitchner etc. on the subject matter. They also include a spiritual dimension to their characters which seems totally appropriate since Jerusalem and Israel has been the scene of spiritual conflict for ages. Far from being stereo-typical, the characters of Jerusalem Vigil include a look into the lives of two Arab orphans caught in the middle of a war they did not want to fight; non-Jews fighting beside Jews for a Jewish homeland; Jewish characters who have a depth and insight which Christians maybe should pay attention to. i.e. Dr. Baruch, who speaks of 2000 years of persecution. If anyone at all could find something to object to in the dramatic presentation and execution of this fine work it is because they resent the acknowledgement by these authors that there is a God who loves Israel and has kept his promises to his chosen people. That theme is throughout the book. Personally I found that to be something I need to be reminded of in a world which has forgotten the Holocaust and still vilifies the Jewish people and the nation of Israel at every turn. We need more books like this to remind us that Israel is not just a political state, but a spiritual entity with a place forever in the divine plan of an awesome God. Keep writing Thoenes, there is no writer to compare with you.

Once again the Thoenes have held me hostage with their remorseless ability to regale without pity. Since I believe in justice, however, I believe the Thoenes will be made to answer for my uncompleted tasks and vague responses to questions. I'm talking about their latest release, Jerusalem Vigil, and my own inablity to leave the book alone. (Not my fault.) Told from varied perspectives, Jerusalem Vigil is the story of the Jewish state of Israel born into war. The story pace the Thoenes employ, though relentless, is itself an effective picture of war without coffee breaks. This pace allows the reader to experience the reality of grinding, heartbreaking, ceaseless effort. I was too tired to floss. In the progress of action-riddled story development, the Thoenes manage to make the reader care deeply about the characters. From two orphaned Arab boys to an old rabbi with an ancient secret, Brock and Bodie have again presented a mural of characters I'd like to have over for a barbeque. I'd pick the brain of the rabbi, talk battle strategy with Moshe, and make sure the orphans have their fill of their favorite lamb/rice stuff. Brock and Bodie Thoene are two of the most skillful storytellers I've ever read. Their stories are even more compelling knowing the lengths they pursue to get the facts on which to build their storylines. (They once spent four months on a barge in Paris, along with several research assistants, to research the facts for their novel Twilight of Courage.) They have a special and consistent skill to plumb emotion, to make the desire of the characters the desire of the reader. The immediate events following the birth of Israel, including the withdrawl of English presence and the amassing of Arab troops against the comparative handful of Jewish defenders, are told with passioned homage to history. With Jerusalem Vigil, the Thoenes have given a singular gift in this, their record of May 14 through May 18, 1948. It's a record of bravery and passion, kindness and cruelty, miracles and near-mystic courage. The record belongs not to Jews alone, but to the Gentiles who fought at their sides, and yes, to the Arabs who fought with passion born of their own deeply felt beliefs. Despite my gratitude for this splendidly written and engaging book, I still hold the Thoenes responsible for lost sleep and objects between my teeth. The fact that the next book in the series is not due out until October only adds to the friction between me and this hostage-holding couple. I shall haughtily await the next release, and hope in the meantime the Thoenes learn a little respect for the time and family-concious public.