Ben-Gurion

A Political Life

By: Shimon Peres, David Landau

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Shimon Peres was in his early 20s when he first met David Ben-Gurion. Although the state that Ben-Gurion would lead through war and peace had not yet declared its precarious independence, the "Old Man", as he was called even then, was already a mythic figure. Peres, who came of age in the cabinets of Ben-Gurion, is uniquely placed to evoke this figure of stirring contradictions - a prophetic visionary and a canny pragmatist who early grasped the necessity of compromise for national survival.

Ben-Gurion supported the 1947 United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, though it meant surrendering a 2,000-year-old dream of Jewish settlement in the entire land of Israel. He granted the Orthodox their first exemptions from military service, despite his own deep secular commitments, and he reached out to Germany in the aftermath of the Holocaust, knowing that Israel would need as many strong alliances as possible within the European community.

©2011 David Landau (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Shimon Peres... provides an intriguing and intimate political biography of David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first prime minister and Peres's erstwhile mentor. Readers will enjoy Peres's analysis of his relationship with Ben-Gurion and will find his humility appealing. And his emotional admissions elevate this book above a standard biography." ( Publishers Weekly)

History

Very good historical book on David Ben Gurion. Friend of my father, and a great man.

Fascinating and monumental leader

PM Peres presents the complex history of the founding of the state of Israel very well. Because the history of the fruition of the state has a multitude of personalities, organizations, governments I would have hoped for more clarity; periodically taking a step back from the details and “painting”with broad strokes. The “notes” and interviews with David Landau try to accomplish this; I found these approaches partially successful. I enjoyed Shimon’s reflections on the philosophy of BG vs other Israeli leaders; and his overview/summation of key events in the life of the state and from the perspective of BG. Mr. Prichard has a challenge; straight narrative work; absent opportunities to take on accents, portraying interesting characteristics, etc. so the narration tends to come across in monotone. As one interested in Israel’s history and it’s founding father I am glad I listened and learned a lot from PM Peres.

The perfect biography in content and format

Thisis a great book of a great man the founder of Israel The fact that the author was with Ben-Gurion as a friend and colleague for many decades gives a continuity rarely seen in biographies.This is not seconhand accounts.
The format that David Landau questions the author often aggressively gives a sense of being there myself and asks the questions I would have liked to ask.
The questions regarding the lack of action,albeit even vocal, regarding the annihilation of the Jews in Europe by Ben Gurion, the de facto leader,had to be and was asked David Landau.The hesitant and weak reply by the author is a unique moment in this book,so much more because you can pick up the vibes of truth,,political expedience ,a touch of embarrasement and sadness..This only an audible book can do well read..
A true biography of a great man by a great author as well as politician,The "questioner concept" should be included in more audible books

Personal, detailed, and thrilling

This book provides a very detailed and personal account of David Ben Gurion's life, all the way from Poland to his old age in Israel. To a large extent, it feels like a history of Israel and Zionism. A must read for anyone interested in an unbiased and detailed historical account of Ben Gurion's life and Israel's early days.

Great Perfomance, Less than Stellar Story

Would you try another book from Shimon Peres and David Landau and/or Michael Prichard?

Depends on the subject matter.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

No surprise, considering his life.

Which character – as performed by Michael Prichard – was your favorite?

Ben Gurion

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

It would depend on the politics of the producer.

Any additional comments?

This is a highly political book that is very subjective and based upon the then and current views of Shimon Peres. Like a good friend Shimon Peres just floated by the negative aspects of Ben Gurion to make him out to be a hero.