3 Review(s)

Published in 1958 and soon becoming an international phenomenon, Exodus by Leon Uris vividly portrays the birth of a new nation, the state of Israel, amidst heartfelt triumph and a passionate struggle for power. Summary Of The Book Exodus, named after the infamous immigration ship of the same name, is the story of the millions of surviving Jews, post WWII, struggling to get their lives in order as they fight for their homeland, amidst widespread political chaos and tumult. Through the lives of protagonists Ari Ben Canaan, an Israeli freedom fighter, and an American nurse Kitty Fremont, Uris highlights the passionate endeavour of many of those individuals, who with all their might, attempted to bring about the much needed stability in a war-torn society. Based on historical events of the 1940s, Exodus throws light on the determination of the Jews in claiming their own land, and ultimately providing to the world a sympathetic understanding of Israel. Known for its very sharp and precise way of writing along with distinctive descriptions, Exodus became an international bestseller, even surpassing the American classic Gone With The Wind and was translated into more than 50 languages. Though Uris did not win any awards or recognition for Exodus, the widespread popularity of the novel not only made him a well-known figure in the genre of historical fiction, but also led to the making of Exodus, the movie, in 1960, by Otto Preminger, the film rights of which he sold in advance. The novel was also turned into a Broadway musical in 1971. About Leon Uris Leon Uris was an American novelist, well known in the genre of historical fiction, especially known for his extensive research behind his writing. His earlier novels include Battle Cry and The Angry Hills, which he wrote before the best-selling Exodus. His subsequent titles are Mila 18, Armageddon: A Novel of Berlin, Trinity, Redemption, and The Haj. Uris is known for his descriptive yet matter-of-fact writing style, very much to the point and clear, but at the same time poignant enough to arouse emotions in the reader. His works are mainly based on his own experiences in the US Marine Corps as well as a correspondent during the war. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1924 to Jewish-American parents, Leon Uris developed an interest in writing at a very young age, but failed high school English not once, but three times. On account of the war, he could not complete his education but instead enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17.