Why read The Last Jew?

Book cover of The Last Jew

Book description

In the year 1492, the Inquisition has all of Spain in its grip. After centuries of pogrom-like riots encouraged by the Church, the Jews - who have been an important part of Spanish life since the days of the Romans - are expelled from the country by royal edict. Many…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Last Jew as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Thomas Shevory

Author

I took my bicycle to ride across northern Spain last summer and brought along some Spanish-oriented novels.

Noah Gordon’s book follows the path of a young man whose father and brother are murdered when Queen Isabella decides that all the Jews must be expelled from the country. Fifteen-year-old, Yonah Toledano, sets off on a journey through various parts of Spain, trying to keep one step ahead of the priestly authorities, who, if they catch him, will burn him at the stake.

It's an adventure story. But I also learned a great deal about the operations and cruel applications of the…

From Thomas' 3 favorite reads in 2023.