The Haj (novel)

For the religious pilgrimage, see Hajj. For other uses, see Haj (disambiguation).
The Haj
AuthorLeon Uris
SubjectPalestinian–Jewish relations before and after Israel's independence
PublisherDoubleday
Publication date
1984
Pages566

The Haj is a novel published in 1984 by American author Leon Uris that tells the story of the birth of Israel from the viewpoint of a Palestinian Arab.[1]

"Haj" in the novel's title refers to the pilgrimage to Mecca, which every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so is obliged to make at least once in their lifetime. The title is used ironically to depict the title character's "journey to destruction."[2] The book was described by some reviewers as "propaganda."[3][4]

The Haj was a best-seller, reaching second place in the Publishers Weekly best-seller list for hardcover novels in May 1984.[5]

  1. ^ Lehmann-Haupt, Christopher (2003-06-24). "Leon Uris, Author of 'Exodus,' Dies at 78". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  2. ^ Schott, Webster (1984-04-01). "Leon Uris' Second Exodus". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "Best-Sellers". The Pittsburgh Press. 1984-05-13. p. 324. Retrieved 2022-06-14 – via Newspapers.com.