Theodor Herzl: The Road to Israel

Plot

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-- Coming as he did from a wealthy, assimilated Jewish family, Theodor Herzl appears an unlikely candidate to be founder of the World Zionist Organization, and to have lobbied for the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. He was, however, profoundly affected by several instances of anti-Semitism, particularly the trial and degradation of Dreyfus in 1894. In traditional biographical style, events proceed chronologically. Factual information is minimal but reasonably accurate; readers will be aware of the cumulative effect of anti-Semitic incidents on Herzl's thought processes, culminating in his eventual conclusion that the only resolution was to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Missing however, is some insight or understanding of the complex character of this man; that spark that makes a historical character come alive. Gurko tends to attribute motives or draw conclusions not justified by the facts as stated. A tendency toward melodramatic overstatement interferes with readers' understanding of complex social and political historical events. The text is complemented by black-and-white illustrations; some are highly stylized; others appear to be copies of photographs. The index and short summary of "important dates" make this useful for reports. Although written for older readers, Norman Finkelstein's Theodor Herzl (Watts, 1987) provides a more thorough, comprehensive picture of both the man and his times. --Susan Kaminow, Westover Branch Library, Arlington, Va.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.