I am glad I finished this book. I am glad I read it despite the meagre two stars I have awarded it. Having read Mila 18, I have probably started my Uris "experience" on a high note. I cannot say how much I truly enjoyed that book. However, this book...I understand that a book is truly a symbol or a mouthpiece in many cases for an authors philosophy and socio-political leanings. In this case it seems that Mr Uris really wrote with his heart on his sleeve without really remaining with the mechanics of the story. He failed to excercise his craft properly. Yes you saw it here first. He was intent on waxing maudlin and commented too plainly from within his personal belief system. If anyone reads this they will surely shake their heads and state, "Is this not true of every book? Why else does an author write?" That would be correct, as long as you do not lose track of the story.