Appearance
Redemption (Thorndike Core)
I have been a big fan of Uris ever since I picked up Exodus which was probably about 5 years ago. Since then I went through QBVII, Armageddon, Trinity, The Haj and Mitla Pass. Trinity was a wonderful book, vintage Uris, which was way up there with his earlier novels. Redemption on the other hand is a book that just shouldn't have been written.I think the most shocking thing to me about Redemption was that Uris committed the cardinal sin of rewriting his own history from Trinity. At the end of Trinity, both Jeremy and Christopher Hubble were supposed to have died at the hands of the protagonist in what was a moving, tragic and highly ironic ending, worthy of a master storyteller and apt for a story about Ireland. This alone spoilt the novel for me - I kept checking my copy of Trinity to be sure that I read it right. The book is just wholly unsatisfying. All Uris did for about one third of the book was summarize Trinity, an exercise any average sixth grader would be quite capable of. It has a totally blaise and inappropriate ending and a plot without any main point to it. What could Rory do for Ireland? Kill the brigader and everything will magically become better? Tell me another one. Uris adds needless sexual overtones to his book throughout, I won't go into the details. Others have complained about his historical inaccuracy, and since my historical knowledge of Ireland is virtually zip, I won't go there.Redemption is not without its redeeming (if you pardon the pun) graces. Uris' portrayal of the battle at Gallipoli is vivid and very moving. The relationship between Rory and Liam is also well-written. If only he wouldn't go out of his way to put words in the mouth of his characters to support his primary thesis.... it becomes ridiculous after a while.My conclusion is this: go read Uris' older novels: all the ones I mentioned earlier (except mitla pass which was so-so) as well as Mila 18 and Topaz, which are on my must read list. Don't waste your time or money on Redemption but if you really must read Redemption after reading Trinity, start with low expectations, that's all. My advice is to stop at Trinity and not to spoil the plot for yourself by reading Redemption. Someone should really stop Uris from embarrassing his older works by writing some more, he seems to be pass his prime. I just wish he would prove me wrong.
Redemption (Thorndike Core)
What a disappointment! Trinity is Uris's best work. When I heard about Redemtion's continuing Trinity's story, I was eager to read it. What a disappointment! Here's hoping Uris already is working on another great book to redeem himself from this debacle!
Redemption (Thorndike Core)
I read Trinity 10 years ago and loved it. I picked up Redemption because I enjoyed Trinity so much and because I have read and thouroughly enjoyed every Leon Uris book I read. However, half way into Redemption I felt as if I had already read it (e.g., big wrought iron screens, firemen in Baltimore). I also thought there was enough good history to write about and that Mr. Uris' focus on torid sex was pandering to marketability rather than good writing. I wish he would take one more stab at Ireland and stick to the historical theme more -- there's a lot to tell,
Redemption (Thorndike Core)
I had to write a review after I read all the other posted reviews. I read this book as a sequel to the author's first book and simply thought it was fantastic. In fact, I just ordered the two-book set for a wonderful Christmas present for a friend. Don't hesitate to read this book - it is great!
Redemption (Thorndike Core)
After _Trinity_, one of Uris' best works, we are given his worst. It is almost as though he is having trouble remaining focused on the story; there are frequent flashbacks to the climactic passages in _Trinity_, usually for no apparent reason. Some stories gallop, some walk purposefully; _Redemption_ meanders aimlessly, retraces its steps, and bonks into trees.The only redeeming feature of the book is the description of Gallipoli, which is still a sore point in Australia and New Zealand and deserves comprehension and remembrance throughout the Western world. Unfortuately one must suffer through the rest of the book to get to the Gallipoli part, and unless you are extremely interested in that particular topic, this book is not time well spent.For an idea of what Uris has accomplished in the past, try _Topaz_ or _QB VII_ in addition to _Trinity_. Given the other great reading Uris has provided us, let's forgive him for this one.
Redemption (Thorndike Core)
Whenever I think of a Leon Uris novel, I think of big themes, large-scale action, a global perspective, and Tolstoy-like interweavings of characters. Redemption has them all.Those who believe in the redeeming qualities of love and seeking forgiveness will be delighted with this book. It explores those themes in a grand fashion.Most of those who read the book will agree that the descriptions of the now little-remembered Gallipoli campaign by the British against the Turks and Germans in World War I will be permanently etched in their memories as great war (and anti war) writing.Those who would like to know more about the development of freedom in Ireland will probably be a bit disappointed. The plot heavily veers away from that subject (although it is always present as a backdrop) for much of the book.The characters are not always as appealing as are required for a great novel. You will simply want to shake them and tell them to do what is right in many cases. I have never read a book that contains so many people who are stubborn about making their lives and those around them miserable.The book would have been improved by either a somewhat simpler plot or more editing to shorten its length.After you have finished reading the book, I suggest that you think about whether there is someone you love who you have not yet told. In this month of Valentine's Day, it would be a good time to overcome that reticence . . . that was so harmful to the characters in Redemption.Live with love in your heart!