Review: Operation Thunderbolt: Flight 139 and the Raid on Entebbe Airport, the Most Audacious Hostage Rescue Mission in History

Operation Thunderbolt: Flight 139 and the Raid on Entebbe Airport, the Most Audacious Hostage Rescue Mission in History
Operation Thunderbolt: Flight 139 and the Raid on Entebbe Airport, the Most Audacious Hostage Rescue Mission in History by Saul David
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think this is the definitive account of the incredible rescue operation that Israeli paratroopers did to release the Air France Flight 139 hostages held captive in Entebbe (Uganda) after the hijacking.

I read some other books previously on this raid and, while they were good reads, they were more like hagiography rather than serious history. (I’m thinking specifically of Operación Uganda, a Spanish-language book by Iona Kranz and others; I was unable to locate an English version). David’s account gives many important details, such as the true extent of negotiations with Kenyan officials, what happened to Dora Bloch, and the real happenings when paratroopers stormed the room where hostages were held.

In sum, the story reads like a thriller yarn but it’s solidly backed by historical evidence. I only wish all other history books were like this. I found it difficult to put down until I finished.

(This book review was posted directly from Goodreads.)Goodreads

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