Leon Uris' world-bestselling novel "Exodus" became a profound influence on thoughts and feelings about the state of Israel. In "The Haj", the author once again portrays a tormented nation through its living people. Haj Ibrahim - known as the Haj - is leader of the small but strategically placed village of Tabah. Sworn enemy - and secret friend - of Gideon Asch, Israeli settler, pioneer, fighter, the Haj and his men are seen first in all their false courage and manic ambition. Theirs is a world of oaths, blood, death and vengeance. But then his association with Asch takes him elsewhere - into diplomacy, and towards leadership of another kind...In "Exodus", Leon Uris told of the birth of a new nation. In "The Haj", he foretells the death of a race, of a faith, of people who have no greater enemies than themselves, in a novel that is as violent and turbulent as the times in which we live... - from Amzon