About book The Rock: A Tale Of Seventh-Century Jerusalem (2002)
One of the most difficult books I have read recently and nearly impossible for me to review. The story is told by the Ishaq son of Ka'b a Jewish scholar in the 7th century. I think the author does a remarkable job of trying to keep the 7th c voice but still readable in the 21st century. The Jewish scholar knew the prophet Mohammed and although remaining Jewish, became a follower and Believer. He also became the confidant of the next several leaders of the faith and moves to Jerusalem with the Believers when they take back the city - peacefully - from the Christians. It then follows Ka'b and the Muslim leaders as they resurrect the Rock in Jerusalem and build the Dome over the Rock. The book is heavily researched and footnoted and I think it presents a fairly accurate picture of relationships between Jews Christians and Muslims in the 7th century. I found this picture quite fascinating. But what really moved me was the subtext or leitmotif of the biblical story of Abraham and Issac (also the story of Abraham and Ishaq, a story that I find distressing, haunting and one that I have never successfully dealt with (God tells Abraham to take his only son Isaac and kill him; Abraham complies, but at the last minute God substitutes a lamb for Issac). The story comes up over and over as Ishaq also tries - unsuccessfully - to deal with it.
Excelsa obra que narra un tiempo de buenas relaciones entre los pueblos árabe y hebreo en primera instancia y marca los primeros conflictos entre las religiones del Libro (La Biblia, Torah y Corán) y los problemas sucesorios del Islam. una obra 100% recomendable y que debería no solo estar en español, sino que DEBERÍA ser materia obligada a todo cristiano como prueba de lo históricamente crueles que hemos sido en nuestra "evangelización" para con otros pueblos, desoyendo la meta y mensajes iniciales del dicho libro que se escinde en tres interpretaciones totalmente diferentes.
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A fascinating piece of fiction by a young Iraqi idealist who became a part of the ex-patriate community upon whom Cheney and Rumsfeld placed irresponsible reliance in the run up to the war. The story revolves around a follower of the Prophet who led the forces that captured Jerusalum from the Christian forces in the seventh century. It gives many illuminating views into the histories of both Islam and Christianity. The author has evident intellectual gifts and could be a voice in bridging the post-Bush world in which both religions will need to find accommodation.
—Larry
