Three Worlds: Memoirs of an Arab-Jew

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

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Oneworld Publications

In July 1950, at the tender age of five, Avi Shlaim and his family were compelled to embark on a harrowing journey, leaving their beloved Iraq behind and seeking refuge in the newly established state of Israel. The circumstances leading to their exile were a testament to the tumultuous times prevailing in the region.

Max Hastings, in his article for THE SUNDAY TIMES, provides a poignant reflection on the once-thriving Jewish community of Iraq, which, at its peak, numbered over 130,000 and had a rich history spanning 2,600 years. However, today, this community has all but vanished.

One explanation offered for the decline of the Iraqi Jewish community is the enduring clash between Arab and Jewish civilizations. It is believed that a heroic Zionist mission played a significant role in rescuing Eastern Jews from backward nations and relentless persecution. Avi Shlaim, however, challenges this narrative.

His parents, who had numerous Muslim friends in Baghdad and showed no inclination towards Zionism, attest to the fact that anti-Semitism was on the rise in Iraq. Nevertheless, it was during this period that the Zionist underground stoked the flames of prejudice and hatred.

When Iraqi Jews sought refuge in Israel, they faced an uncertain future, as their history was rewritten to serve the Zionist narrative. Avi Shlaim's memoir, THREE WORLDS, breathes life into a nearly forgotten world, seamlessly blending the personal and the political. Through his poignant storytelling, he offers a fresh perspective on Arab-Jews, caught in the crossfire of Zionism and nationalism.

This memoir is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. It sheds light on a period of history that has often been overshadowed by larger geopolitical events. THREE WORLDS provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex relationship between Arab and Jewish communities, and the enduring impact of historical events on the lives of individuals and communities.

The book has received widespread acclaim from critics and readers alike. TLS and NEW STATESMAN have recognized it as a Book of the Year, praising its beautifully written prose and artful blending of the personal and the political. Justin Marozzi of SPECTATOR describes it as an "often enchanting memoir," while David Abulafia of the FINANCIAL TIMES calls it a "gripping account" that brilliantly brings back to life a lost world in Iraq.

In conclusion, Avi Shlaim's THREE WORLDS is a remarkable memoir that offers a fresh perspective on a forgotten chapter of history. Through his personal experiences and meticulous research, Shlaim has shed light on the complex dynamics that shaped the lives of Iraqi Jews and their journey to a new home in Israel. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Middle East and the enduring human spirit.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 163 x 246 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780861544639