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Three Worlds

Memoirs of an Arab-Jew - WINNER OF THE PEN HESSELL-TILTMAN PRIZE
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( 877 ratings, 143 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Three Worlds, Avi Shlaim recounts his experience as a child forced into exile from Iraq in 1950, capturing the decline of the ancient Iraqi Jewish community amid the broader Arab-Jewish conflict. The memoir challenges traditional narratives surrounding Zionism and anti-Semitism, revealing a complex portrait of cultural displacement, political tension, and the fading heritage of Arab-Jews caught between secular ideologies.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This memoir will resonate with readers interested in Middle Eastern history, Jewish heritage, political memoirs, and those seeking nuanced perspectives on complex cultural and ideological conflicts.

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A unique coming-of-age story from the lost world of Arab-Jews

A unique coming-of-age story from the lost world of Arab-Jews

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In July 1950, Avi Shlaim, only five, and his family were forced into exile, fleeing from their beloved Iraq into the new state of Israel.

Now the rump of a once flourishing community of over 150,000, dating back 2,600 years, has dwindled to single figures. For many, this tells the story of the timeless clash of the Arab and Jewish civilisations, the heroic mission of Zionism to rescue Eastern Jews from their backwards nations, and unceasing persecution as the fate and history of Jewish people.

Avi Shlaim tears up this script. His mother had many Muslim friends in Baghdad, but no Zionist ones. The Iraqi Jewish community, once celebrated for its ancient heritage and rich culture, was sprayed with DDT upon arrival in Israel. As anti-Semitism gathered pace in Iraq, the Zionist underground may have inflamed it – deliberately.

This memoir celebrates the disappearing heritage of Arab-Jews – caught in the crossfire of secular ideologies.

Three Worlds by Avi Shlaim is a poignant exploration of this complex historical narrative.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

'This remarkable upside-down tale... a personal story, not a polemic... provocative' β€” Max Hastings, The Sunday Times. 'Riveting and profoundly controversial... a beautifully written book which artfully blends the personal with the political.' β€” Spectator. 'An often enchanting memoir... a gripping account of a lost world in Iraq.'

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780861544639

Publisher: Oneworld Publications

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 08 June 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Oneworld Publications

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Avi Shlaim was born in Baghdad and grew up in Israel. He is now a Professor of International Relations at St Antony's College, Oxford. His previous books includeΒ the critically acclaimedΒ The Iron Wall and he writes regularly for theΒ Guardian,Β Middle East Eye and other outlets.

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  • Three Worlds
    In July 1950, Avi Shlaim, only five, and his family were forced into exile, fleeing from their beloved Iraq into the new state of Israel. Now the rump of a once flourishing community of over 150,000, dating back 2,600 years, has dwindled to single figures. For many, this tells the story of the timeless clash of the Arab and Jewish...
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