Love him or hate him, no one has had an equal influence on Israel’s political scene in the past three decades as Netanyahu. His autobiography appeared during the most recent campaign for Israel’s Knesset elections, its fifth in four years and the first with Netanyahu in the opposition, giving him time to write his memoirs.

For those who have followed Netanyahu’s career, there will not be much new. Netanyahu pays homage throughout the book as major influencers to the three family members of his “supporting cast": Benzion, his father and the famed medieval Jewish historian; Yoni, his brother and the national hero, felled in the Entebbe operation; and Sara, his third wife.

Netanyahu’s account helpfully proceeds according to his career progression as a student, soldier, diplomat, and politician, explaining some of the major episodes that affected and shaped him throughout each stage.

Obviously, because of the political background and context surrounding the book, it is written very much as a strong and proud manifesto for a return to leadership. Netanyahu likes to place his role in the context of Jewish history and relates very often to this aspect. However, in a moment of self-reflection towards the end of the book, he makes reference to certain “sliding doors moments” whereby, if certain events or coincidences had not occurred, he would not be the figure he is now, towering over Israeli politics.

The book is an interesting read for those who wish to know how Netanyahu thinks and sees himself. It is not a critical overview of his past, and readers might find more insight from previous books into those decisions which might seem to contradict his purported worldview.