This book did a great job of outlining all of the intricacies of what led to the Yom Kippur War, looking at each side in a grounded and fair approach. The amount of source material utilized makes this the essential history of this region and time period, because of Kaufman's use of primary sources and the scrutiny he placed upon each source.

I did not know much about this conflict at all, but as of what has happened recently in Israel and Palestine, I feel very informed. This book is incredibly timely and can give everyone a much broader sense as to why this conflict continues to plague this region.

This is a great addition and a timely arrival as we mark half a century since the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Readers will have their opened to the significance of that conflict and its impact on the larger realities in and around Israel.

Uri Kaufman does an excellent job of bringing the Israeli/Egyptian War (The Yom Kippur War) to life. He moves the story from the sanitized versions that our governments want us to read and shows the reality of the conflict. He brings to life the various characters to life and we are given the opportunity to see their failures and their desires. The book is being published using recently declassified documents (particularly on the Israeli side) and interviews with many of the people who participated in the actual even. By sharing their stores one felt like they were there when the decisions were being made.

I have had the opportunity to visit many of the places that Kaufman describes and he gave me greater understanding of why those places are sacred. I would highly recommend anyone who wants a unvarnished look at the Yom Kippur War to read Kaufman's work. I found it enlightening and at times a bit depressing.

I appreciate NetGalley offering me an early copy to read and give my honest opinion.

Uri Kaufman brings history to life in his book, Eighteen Days in October, a well-researched and documented story of the Yom Kippur War in October of 1973, also known as the Fourth Arab-Israeli War.

The author's heavily foot-noted book begins with a review of some of the events of the 1967 Six Day War. Both the 1967 and 1973 wars were stepping-stones to the Egypt-Israel peace treaty of 1979.

At the time of this war, the Soviets were backing the Arabs with military equipment. The Americans were delayed but backed the Israelis with equipment. The U.S. Vice President, Spiro Agnew, had just resigned. The Nixon tapes were soon to be released. An Arab oil embargo was being put in place against the Americans in retaliation for an announced aid package to the Israeli government. The Soviets were giving the Americans veiled threats concerning a cease fire and associated concessions related to the ending of this war. America responded by repositioning ships and aircraft, in addition to putting the military on alert. All of this was going on in the press and behind the scenes during this time period.

The author gives rich detail on these actions, along with putting the reader in a position of almost viewing the events as they occur, including the description of battles with the associated struggles, failures and successes, which were at times so sad and yet so very interesting.

The recitation of history is fascinating, describing the attack on Israel hours earlier than leaders had expected, after having just been warned of it. The frustration of top Israeli leaders with other top leaders, initial mistakes that were made, lies, withholding of intelligence, and a military that was largely a reserve force and had to be called up, all contributed to an alarming first few days of this war for the Israelis. Fortunately for Israel, the Egyptians had their own struggles and mistakes to deal with, which are described by the author.

Once the Israelis got their footing, although there are still examples of errors in judgment by leadership, there are also stories of wise decision making, courage, determination, fearlessness, expertise, and great successes in this battle for their country's continued existence.

The Agranat Commission was appointed the month following the war to investigate Israel's intelligence failure prior to the surprise attack, and the army's defense in the first few days of the war. At this time, there were large public demonstrations and pressure. The author also shows there is the question of potential bias of at least one member of the commission. Their inconsistent findings cause one to question whether this commission was indeed unbiased. Some of the commission's findings and the resulting repercussions on certain men's lives did not seem to be just treatment in light of the facts described in this book, including later information revealed over the last five decades of what actually occurred. It would seem that the public wanted a scapegoat, and the commission provided it.

Uri Kaufman's book brought back my memory of events of fifty years ago, albeit with so much more information and rich detail of the actual events. His story is of real people, who lived imperfect lives, but loved and were devoted to the existence of their country. It was a fascinating story of a pivotal period in Israel's recent history, and I expect it will remain on my mind for quite some time.

Thank-you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

An updated account of the October War for its 50th anniversary. It is an interesting and worthwhile read. Kaufman uses recently declassified documents and interviews from major players who were still alive when he was researching the book to add more depth to his account. He only briefly touches on how the war shaped the modern Middle East but he could certainly continue on with a follow up book.

An informative book on the war. The use of first hand accounts and interviews added to the account. The political in-fighting that occurred as well as how close the use of nuclear weapons was intriguing. A great novel for the history enthusiast.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This account of the Yom Kippur War is a great addition to the saga of the tensions between Israel and their Arab neighbors. This work will be seen as highly valuable to those who want to study in greater detail one of the many wars between Arabs and Israelis.

The author looks at how one event shapes the larger history of the Middle East. Having a smaller event be the focus works perfectly, as it prevents the reader from becoming entangled in the web that is Middle Eastern History. Well written and very informative.