Title: QB VII
Author: Leon Uris
First published January 1, 1970
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780553270945 (ISBN10: 055327094X)
Rating: 4.19
Overview
In the courtroom of Queen’s Bench Number Seven, a renowned author finds himself on trial. His book, which exposed the horrors of the Holocaust and the role of a notorious surgeon named Sir Adam Kelno, has incited both admiration and anger.
Kelno vehemently denies the accusations and has launched a fierce legal battle against the author. In this gripping courtroom drama, Leon Uris masterfully weaves together the stories of these two men, their pasts, and their motivations.
QB VII is an unforgettable tale of justice, redemption, and the power of truth.
About the Author
Leon Marcus Uris was a well-known American novelist who specialized in historical fiction with extensive research. His two most successful books were Exodus, published in 1958, and Trinity, in 1976.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, to Jewish-American parents Wolf William and Anna Uris, Leon didn’t complete his high school education after failing English three times. However, he joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17, serving as a radioman in the South Pacific during World War II.
After leaving the service, Leon worked for a newspaper and wrote in his free time. He sold an article to Esquire magazine in 1950, which led him to focus more seriously on writing.
Drawing on his experiences in the Marine Corps, he wrote Battle Cry, a novel that depicts the bravery of U.S. Marines in the Pacific.
In the early 1950s, Leon was hired by an American public relations firm to visit Israel and create a novel about it. This novel would become Exodus, his most famous work.
It took two years of research and thousands of interviews to complete. The book describes the history of Palestine from the late 19th century until the founding of the state of Israel in 1948.
It was a global best-seller, translated into several languages, adapted into a feature film and a short-lived Broadway musical.
Leon’s other notable works include Mila 18, Armageddon: A Novel of Berlin, Trinity, QB VII, and The Haj. He also wrote the screenplays for Battle Cry and Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Leon was married three times and had five children. He died of renal failure in 2003 at the age of 78.
His papers can be found at the Ransom Center, University of Texas in Austin.
Editoral Review
QB VII by Leon Uris is a thought-provoking and compelling novel that sheds light on the complexities and aftermath of World War II. Leon Uris is an American author mainly known for his novels on historical events, such as the Holocaust and the Middle East conflict.
QB VII was first published on January 1, 1970, and has since become a classic in the genre of historical fiction. The novel is set in both England and Israel, and it explores the aftermath of a libel lawsuit between a famous Polish doctor and an American journalist.
The story begins with the life of Adam Kelno, a doctor in Poland before the war, and a prisoner in the concentration camps during the war. The novel’s protagonist is Sir Adam Kelno, a Polish-born physician who is accused of war crimes during his time as a prisoner in concentration camps.
The American writer Abraham Cady accuses Kelno of performing medical experiments on Jewish prisoners during the war in a book called QB VII. The novel portrays Kelno’s attempts to clear his name, with the help of his attorney, Tom Bower.
As the courtroom drama unfolds, Uris takes us back in time and shows us the atrocities that were committed during the war, putting the doctor’s actions into perspective. The characters in QB VII are compelling, and the novel is full of surprises, which make it a gripping and engaging read.
The novel is not only a courtroom drama, but it is also an exploration of the prejudices, resentments, and moral dilemmas that arise in the aftermath of war. Uris skillfully weaves in themes of guilt, redemption, justice, and responsibility, making for a thought-provoking read.
One of the strengths of the novel is Uris’s ability to provide a nuanced portrayal of the characters. Uris takes care to present his characters in a way that is realistic, even when it is not always comfortable to accept.
Uris showcases the strengths and weaknesses of his characters, making the novel feel genuine and human. The pacing of the novel is consistent, and the plot is well structured, with surprises and twists that keep the reader engaged.
Uris does an excellent job of developing the themes of the novel, tying them together in a way that feels organic and natural. One potential limitation of the novel is its length.
At over 500 pages, QB VII can be a daunting read for some readers. That being said, the novel is worth the effort, and Uris’s attention to detail makes it a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time.
In conclusion, QB VII by Leon Uris is an excellent historical novel that provides a thought-provoking perspective on the aftermath of World War II. Uris’s storytelling is brilliant, and the novel is full of complex characters, balanced pacing, and a masterfully crafted plot.
QB VII is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and courtroom dramas. Rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
