As an avid fan of Patterson's novels, I think this may be his best effort. An action-packed page-turner with well-developed, likable characters, it also provides an interesting background on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that leads (or at least led me to) further study and interest. Not only could I not put this book down, but I almost immediately began studying the conflict afterward, and feel quite educated as a result. Patterson does an excellent job of exploring the conflict from a neutral point of view, and encouraging the reader to seek out additional resources for further education - all the while providing an entertaining storyline that keeps you turning the pages late in to the hight.

The Exile lures you into its story slowly but surely and then explodes you forward into a sun storm of character and drama. The best novels are those which keep you turning page after page while thinking, "... what would I do?...". You find yourself shutting the book and just thinking for awhile and then not being able to walk away, opening it back up and plunging in again. This is that type of novel. Here a decent man with an old secret love finds himself sinking toward giving up all he holds dear to save that person who may be a terrorist. A new love must fall into question. A career must fall away. All is sacrificed upon the altar of truth. It's a great book and will capture your mind and heart. Be prepared to be held captive while you almost become "the exile".

I was disappointed in this purchase for two reasons: It took a long time to arrive and the book was not in good condition as it was described. The cover was bent and it was clearly very used, not in good condition as advertised.