For generations, The American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem has been a well-known retreat for journalists, diplomats, pilgrims and spies. However, few ...
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Jul 05, 2008
Eleanor
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Fascinating story of The Overcomers, a religious cult from Chicago, who moved to Jerusalem to await the Second Coming of Christ in the late 1800's. Their interest was not prosleytizing -- in fact, they counted both Arabs and Jews among their staunchest supporters -- but only (originally) to place themselves at the foot of Christ and His return. Their impact on the city remains today, in the form of the American Colony Hotel which continues to provide four-star lodging to important visitors to t
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Jun 09, 2011
Julia
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After I read this book, I talked about it so much that my co-workers started openly mocking me. But it was THAT GOOD! Quick background for those that don't go to Jerusalem on a regular basis: the American Colony hotel is one of the famous hotels in central Jerusalem (the other two probably being the King David and the David Citadel) and particualarly notable because it actually sits in East Jerusalem, now the predominately Arab part of the city. Most people who work in the Middle East or on the
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Nov 08, 2011
Leah
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I enjoyed the historical perspective, but I'm not sure I agree with her take on the American Colony. An interesting story, no doubt, but the Colony did what the Church has done for years, use the Jews for selfish purposes without truly consulting the Word on their destiny. I was disappointed with Geniesse's summary of the people directly involved in the afterword, also.
Jan 17, 2011
Lyvia
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This is a well-researched biography of a complex and intriguing personality. As a Jerusalemite, I would have appreciated more references to contemporary Jerusalem. Obviously, my comment would not apply to most readers of this book!
Nov 05, 2008
Katie
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An excellent story of the Overcomers in Jerusalem...a group of Americans and Swedes who moved to Jerusalem in the late 1800s to await the Second Coming. While their religious beliefs were odd, their impact on the city through the 1st World War (and even to this day, as their colony buildings continue to operate as a hotel) was largely beneficial. They remained staunchly neutral in the Arab/Jewish conflict, and ran schools, soup kitchens, and hospitals.
It wasn't a riveting read... More...
It wasn't a riveting read... More...
Sep 02, 2008
Bonnie
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An amazing story of one woman and her capacity to lead and guide many under her wing - not always for the betterment of those who followed. Her reign began along with her husband, Horatio, during the Protestant evangelical wave after the Civil Warm when they convinced themselves and a handful of others that the Second Coming was imminent and that they were being called to Jerusalem. Even though they were scorned by the American Consul and other missionaries, this small group were admired and a
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Feb 20, 2009
Elizabeth
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This was a very interesting story about something that I had no prevfious knowledge. It was a little dry, but overall a good read.
Apr 06, 2009
Sbaird
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Fascinating tale of the Overcomers with a brief history of the zionist movement in Jerusalem. I also loved since this was a library edition-a previous reader had editorialized some of the statements which made it even more interesting.
Aug 07, 2008
Jeff
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This history of the American Colony in Jerusalem was made more interesting by the fact that I spent a weekend in this hotel in 1984 when I was a member of the Multinational (Peacekeeping) Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai. Anyone planning to visit Jerusalem should stay at this five-star hotel and definitely should read American Priestess before m aking the trip.
Oct 21, 2008
Sharon
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This was an extraordinary story about Anna Spafford. It was disturbing and informative. However, there are a few events presented as true, which there is some doubt for instance about the Massacre at Deir Yassin.
Sep 13, 2009
Love this author....recently read Passionate Nomad about Freya Stark and loved the way Jane Geniesse told a story. This one is about Anna Spafford and the American Colony in Jerusalem.
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