If all you know of Jewish history is the Bible or your World War II classes in school, this book attempts to fill in some of the gaps.

Primo Levi (31 July, 1919 – 11 April, 1987) was an Italian chemist and writer books about his experiences as a Jewish man during World War II.

The book is well researched, it presents events with historical accuracy without spending time on nuances which will bog down the story. I enjoyed that the author tried to make the story flow presenting relevant facts intertwining with the narrative.

His worldview and predictions for a better world shaped his speeches and willingness to compromise with militants and extremists in his own party, opposing political forces, as well as other countries. To his credit, Mr. Peres is one of the few politicians, worldwide, that even attempts to start a discussion about a “new Middle East”, a very divisive topic.

The book is certainly worth reading, we should not be losing this kind of history, and future generations of the author’s family will have something that many others wish they did.

The author follows several people throughout the book, some famous, some well-known, and others are just trudging day to day trying to survive.

In the 1890s, after he already owned several papers including the New York World, Mr. Pulitzer got into a headline competition with the newspapers of William Hearst.    Once he believed their headline battle went too far, Mr. Pulitzer backed off.

This novel was an easy read, and well researched. Much of the book isn’t historical per-say, which is why I don’t know if I’d categorize it as historical-fiction, but rather as a novel which takes place in the past.

Through Friedrich we are witnessing one of the ugliest events of the 20th century, from the front seat. Friedrich is privy to many meetings and has a personal insight into Hitler’s taking over Germany

I have long ago realized that many things are more than they seem, and that politics seem to be encroaching on every aspect of our life.