A Purity of Arms

by Aaron T. Wolf

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385260369
• ISBN13: 9780385260367
• Release Date: October 1989
• Publisher: Doubleday Books
• Length: 227 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Insight

I've read many books on the IDF, and "A Purity of Arms" is the only one I've read that details the events of basic training. The book is well-written, and does a fantastic job of explaining the situations a soldier in the IDF finds himself dealing with. Far from the captivating literary wording of Alan Kaufman's "Matches", "A Purity of Arms" is a page-turner nonetheless, and a must read for anyone considering the commitment of service in the IDF.

Book Transformed my Life

I read this book back in college and was so captivated by the story that I followed Aaron's path myself... making Aliya to Israel, I joined the Nachal where I spent two years as a paratrooper....This is a powerful, accurate story of life in Israel, and the army. I storngly suggest that you give this book a try. If you like this - try Psalm in Jenin, by Brett Goldberg.

Relates the experience so well, your back hurts

If you have ever wondered what the Israeli Army is like, this book is for you. Wolf sketches his experiences from visits to Israel as a child through his imigration, induction, and service in the IDF. He ably relates what basic training was like, a stint in Lebanon, parachute training, and service in the occupied territories at the very begining of the Palestinian uprising (the Intifada) in 1987.I found the book entralling when I first read it back in 1990. At the time I was preparing to participate in Marva, a program in Israel which is something like basic training. I found the book valuable in learning what to expect.It is a shame that this book isn't in print. If you are thinking of moving to Israel however, and are going to have to serve significant time in the IDF, you should do yourself a favor and get your hands on a copy of this book.If you are just curious about life in the IDF, an institution which has not only defended Israel, but also serves as a social leveler, this book is an excellent place to start.