The Witness Tree

by Brendan Howley, John Loftus

A political epic based on the early life of Eleanor Dulles–sister of John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State, and Allen Dulles, the first head of the CIA–and the secret beginnings of modern Israel.

The Witness Tree interweaves years of classified research by co-author and Nazi war crimes investigator John Loftus with a perilous love story–the result is a sweeping novel of a diplomatic dynasty, born in the hope and treachery that defined the twentieth century.

Eleanor Dulles comes from one of the most respected families in America. An economist and a socialist, she is the family rebel–and its last hope for salvation. Her affair with a mysterious younger man leads them into fateful brushes with the Zionist underground and the Soviet Comintern. Eleanor comes to understand her family’s connections to the treasonous Second World War oil business, and the unlikely lovers are led separately from war-torn Europe toward the doorstep of Nelson Rockefeller himself, with profound implications for the future of the Middle East.
Part family saga, part political thriller, The Witness Tree imagines the little-known life of a woman who became the conscience of her family with a single, desperate act to redeem the soul of a nation betrayed.

Genres: History, Holocaust

464 pages, Hardcover

First published October 9, 2007

Reviews

[Anish Kaushal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow. Should be required reading for anyone who wants to know about America’s real involvement in world war 2 and how the Dulles family was at the centre of it all, including financing the Germans and helping the founding of Israel through blackmail. Unreal book and totally get why the Americans have banned it, can’t have the truth out there

[Lauren D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with the understanding that alot of this was based on fact written as a fiction novel and that made it easier to get through, it wasn't an easy read and jumped around quite alot (in my opinion) I am glad I've read it, it certainly makes you think and question your understanding of historical events and those who have benefited from war.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really good, however you do need to be a bit of a history buff to follow all the moving pieces and truly understand what they’re referring to. I read Chaos but Tom O’Neil prior to this read and it was a great segway into the overall theme of corruption and control!

[Atlantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a slow start and while fictionalized, is based on actual events with real names used. It is told mostly from Eleanor Dulles’ perspective highlighting her and her brothers’ government service as well as external business in international banking/investments; some notably war related. A unique look at the formation of governing bodies as well as back room deals from just before WWI through the end of WWII. Oddly enough, this book is only available on Kindle through Amazon and I am as of yet unaware of any physical copies being available for mass market purchase.

[Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Book, Almost Impossible to Close

A fast and compelling World War II spy drama filled with tons of intrigue, liberally peppered with dashes of romance, and the occasionally unexpected flash of humanity.

[Lorie Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring!

[Kelly Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really an enjoyable read. Definitely makes you question everything you thought you knew about our government

[Shamaegan Miracle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. A great historic novel, based on solid facts! The founding of the 1948 nation state of Israel and how the U.S. became involved.

[VaughanPL]

Click here to find it in the catalogue.