I read this book a few months ago and had to return it to the Library, so this review will be brief. President Jimmie Carter was an idealist, and in 1978 he tried to make peace in one of the world’s most troubled areas, the Middle East. Many observers thought he was naïve and foolish to bring Anwar Sadat (Egypt) and Menachem Begin (Israel) together.
This book includes extensive, fascinating biographical information about Sadat and Begin. Both were men of struggle. They had fought so long and hard that they could barely imagine peace. “Shuttle diplomacy” wasn’t getting anywhere. Sadat and Begin barely spoke to one another at Camp David, and several times the process seemed doomed to failure. The two “framework” agreements that were signed were not broad. One failed, but the other led to a treaty between Israel and Egypt. The two national leaders shared the Nobel Peace Prize for 1978. Sadat was murdered in his own country three years later. His security team had been infiltrated by extremists.
This very well written book seems more important that ever, as the “Palestinian problem” persists and violence continues to ruin lives.
This reminds me of the saying “those who have done nothing are not qualified to judge those who have done little.” Good for Jimmy Carter for attempting to tackle such a huge and complex problem of peace in the Middle East, and congrats to all parties for whatever level of success they had.
AMG Reading Journal 
Sounds like a very worthwhile book. Thanks for writing about it.
This reminds me of the saying “those who have done nothing are not qualified to judge those who have done little.” Good for Jimmy Carter for attempting to tackle such a huge and complex problem of peace in the Middle East, and congrats to all parties for whatever level of success they had.