Mark Patinkin, a seasoned journalist and columnist for Providence Journal, is known for depicting severe conflict and human suffering. He has previously reported on famine in Africa, religious conflicts in Beirut and the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. In his latest book, The Holy Land at War, he tackles the conflict between Israel and Palestine, focusing on the tragic events that followed the Hamas attacks in October 2023. Patinkin is a skilled storyteller as with his previous works, which An African Journey and The Silent War, demonstrated ability to handle complex subjects with both sensitivity and precision.
Boken The Holy Land at War
The book is an engaging account of the ongoing conflict, but it is not free from limitations. Patinkin begins with the brutal attacks by Hamas and highlights the human tragedies that followed on the Israeli side. He gives voice to families who lost loved ones and describes their trauma with great empathy. Here the book is strong, but it also raises questions about balance.
When the book moves towards Gaza and the Palestinians' perspective, there is a desire to describe their suffering, but it does not feel as elaborate or nuanced as when he writes about Israel's experiences. Life under blockade, poverty and retaliatory attacks do get a place, but the stories often feel shorter and more concise. This suggests that Patinkin is closer to Israel's perspective, even if he does not openly take sides.

Easily accessible and readable
Patinkin is adept at using personal stories to capture the reader, and he writes with an empathy that makes the book accessible and readable. His journalistic style is clear – the book is well structured and feels credible in its narration. However, he tends to return to Israel's narrative more often than the Palestinian one, which means that the image of the conflict can sometimes be perceived as distorted.
Is the book readable and balanced?
The book is definitely readable and provides a strong emotional insight into the conflict. It's a good choice for someone who wants to understand the human suffering on both sides, but it lacks the depth and balance that would be required to provide a comprehensive picture. For those seeking a nuanced understanding of the conflict, it may be wise to supplement with other sources.
Final assessment
The Holy Land at War is a strong and touching story, but it clearly leans more towards Israel's perspective. The author writes with empathy and a clear journalistic voice, but it is hard not to notice that the Palestinians' experiences receive less focus and depth. The book is worth reading for its personal tone and to understand parts of the conflict, but it should not be read as a completely objective portrayal of the two sides. Patinkin's background as a journalist and writer shows in his style, and he has a clear ability to capture human stories, even if his balance can be questioned.