By the Rivers of Babylon

by Nelson DeMille

Book Overview

Lod Airport, Israel: Two Concorde jets take off for a U.N. conference that finally will bring peace to the Middle East. The planes carry warriors, pacifists, lovers, enemies, dignitaries--and a terrorist bomb. Forced to crash land at an ancient desert site, the men and women of the peace mission make a desperate stand against an army of crack Palestinian commandos. (Spy Thriller)

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0151152780
• ISBN13: 9780151152780
• Release Date: January 1978
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt P
• Length: 391 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Not one of my favorites

I have many of DeMille’s books as I like his writings immensely. However, this one just didn’t work for me. It could be the tenor of our times that caused this to have me put it aside. I’d give it another try, though.

Rivers of Babylon is NOT DeMille's first book

I still rate this novel very high, as it was a huge departure from his earlier 12 or 13 paperback novels (I have 12). As with any book of this genre, the dating hurts its 'suspension of disbelief' but the characters are very good, as is the infrastructure and movement details. Highly recommended (and required, if you are a true fan) knf

Number 1 On A Scale of 1 to 10!

One of my favorite all time books. An excellent plot with oustanding characters. After being forced to land by Arab terrorists an Israeli peace delegation is forced to survive unsurmountable odds. One jet full of the peace conference attendees is exploded in midair. The second jet then lands in Iraq. From there on out the arts of survival begins. The Israeli delegation fights for their very lives. It is a tremendous battle against tremendous odds. Some of the tactics employed by the Israelis are very good. The Isrealis show that the strong will indeed survive. An outstanding book by DeMille.Buy this book and keep it under lock and key.

You Won't Put this Book Down!

Demille is the Best and in my opinion this book along with Cathedral, Word of Honor and Gold Coast are his best works. I could not put this book down. On an interesting note, I met Mr. Demille at a book signing and he told me that he himself is not a fan of this book. Interesting! A great read

A Virtual Survivalist Manuel

This book will show you why Israel is one of the most powerful nations on the planet. Intelligent dialogue, at least one character every reader can identify with, a solid Middle East history lesson - all wrapped up inside an entertaining and thrilling story. This book is strongest when it concentrates on how the 50 resourceful Concorde passengers set up their defense against 150 well armed Palestinian terrorists. Even hard-to-please readers finding certain aspects of this book "flawed" will find that the time reading it was very well spent.

A Powerhouse. Emotionally trying and finely crafted

Nelson Demille is a master. By the Rivers of Babylon is the most amazing thriller I have ever read. Once you are gripped by the plight of the passengers to the UN Conference you will never let them go. Their lives and deaths are visualized in full. Demille has given America a treat that should be enjoyed by all. It is Tom Clancy with the elitist confusing technology. It is James Patterson if he ever took a writing class. It is a gem.