Extensive profiles of a dozen men and women who will probably play a role in any new Palestinian state, shedding light on how these leaders arrived at their divergent views on how to conduct the struggle for nationhood. Here, the husband-and-wife Wallachs (Still Small Voices, 1989) present a close look at most of the members of the Palestinian team currently negotiating with the Israelis. Except for Hanan Ashrawi, the Christian Arab whose TV appearances have made her an international celebrity, most are unknown in the West. These Palestinians all reside in Israel proper, including Jerusalem, as well as in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. What they have in common is their assertion of a Palestinian identity and the unpleasant experience of harassment and imprisonment by Israeli authorities—which has only strengthened their desire for escape from Israeli rule. Most of those profiled see the Intifada as a home-grown response, particularly by the young, to indignities. Where these leaders disagree strongly is in their perception of the relationship between a future Palestinian entity and Israel. The moderates, looking for guidance but not leadership from Yasser Arafat's wing of the PLO, are willing to accept temporary autonomy in civil matters under Israel on the way to nationhood. Others desire a federation with Israel, or perhaps with Jordan. Still others, the hard-liners, envision an Islamic Palestine, stretching from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and with the state of Israel extinguished. Feuding among the various factions, we learn, has sometimes led to the assassination of opponents. Most of those profiled here declare their support for a Palestinian state committed to democracy. Whether they will have the opportunity depends, it seems, on Israel; but how well they seize the opportunity will probably depend on their ability to reconcile the antagonists within their own house. An informative study.
Pub Date: Dec. 14, 1992
ISBN: 1-55958-215-4
Page Count: 250
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1992
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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