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André Schwarz-Bart
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The Last of the Just Kindle Edition

by Andre Schwarz-Bart (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 302 ratings

The Goncourt Prize–winning novel of Jewish life and persecution from the twelfth century to WWII: “a powerful book—an eloquent and enduring testament” (Kirkus, starred review),

On March 11, 1185, in the old Anglican city of York, the Jews of the city were brutally massacred by their townsmen. As legend has it, God blessed the only survivor of this medieval pogrom, Rabbi Yom Tov Levy, as one of the Lamed-Vov, the thirty-six Just Men of Jewish tradition, a blessing which extended to one Levy of each succeeding generation.

In The Last of the Just, this terrifying and remarkable legacy is traced over eight centuries, from the Spanish Inquisition, to expulsions from England, France, Portugal, Germany, and Russia, and to the small Polish village of Zemyock, where the Levys settle for two centuries in relative peace.

It is in the twentieth century that Ernie Levy emerges, The Last of the Just, in 1920s Germany, as Hitler’s sinister star is on the rise and the agonies of Auschwitz loom on the horizon. First published in French in 1959, this classic work is one of those few novels that, once read, is never forgotten.

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  1. Print length
    382 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    The Overlook Press
  4. Publication date
    February 1, 2000
  5. Reading age
    18 years and up
  6. File size
    3.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Schwarz-Bart's 1959 novel is a chronicle of Jewish persecution beginning in England in 1105 and ending with the Holocaust. This book was a huge hit when first released, eventually being translated into several languages. It is both a historical document and a compelling piece of fiction.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

ANDRÉ SCHWARZ-BART (1928-2006) won the Goncourt Prize for The Last of the Just, a New York Times bestseller upon first publication, now in its sixth printing with Overlook. He was born in France. His parents were arrested in a Nazi roundup, and he served with the French Resistance.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07MXFMHKX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Overlook Press; New Ed edition (February 1, 2000)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 1, 2000
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.8 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 382 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 302 ratings

About the author

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André Schwarz-Bart

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
302 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this novel to be a wonderful reading experience with a compelling story that becomes deeper as it progresses. The book is magnificently written and provides a profound examination of Jewish history, helping readers understand Jewish beliefs. Customers describe it as harrowing and deeply emotional, with one review noting how it squeezes tears from the heart and soul.

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25 customers mention "Readability"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful reading experience.

"I just finished reading this beautiful novel, crying and I am once reminded how almost impossible is to accept, understand, grasp : yes, indeed, an..." Read more

"...made an indelible mark--I smiled at their eccentricities, the beauty in their flaws...." Read more

"...One of the great books still in print…never forgotten." Read more

"...It is simply brilliant, and very emotional." Read more

20 customers mention "Emotional content"17 positive3 negative

Customers find the book emotionally powerful, describing it as harrowing and deeply sad, with one customer noting how it squeezes tears from the heart and soul, while another mentions it serves as a strong reminder of the horrors of our world.

"...novel to me, was like listening to a symphony full of beauty, strong feelings, sensing the suffering yet being a song from the soul of human..." Read more

"...This book IS different, but in a good way. It will squeeze the tears from your heart and soul...." Read more

"...It is simply brilliant, and very emotional." Read more

"...The last several pages were at once compelling and harrowing...." Read more

20 customers mention "Story quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the novel compelling and extraordinary, with one customer noting how the story becomes deeper as it progresses.

"...This is a very unique novel enrapt of figurative narrative giving a tribute to the victims of the Holocaust...." Read more

"A beautifully woven story about a family of Just Men...." Read more

"This book is a "Must Read" for book clubs, and anyone interested in reality. I read this book when it first came out...." Read more

"...I won't go into a long review except to say that this is an extraordinary story - in a way, the only way to tell the story of our people...." Read more

18 customers mention "Writing quality"13 positive5 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as magnificently written, with one customer noting it is beautifully translated from French.

"Beautifully translated from the French, I read this book years ago and it is still relevant today...." Read more

"...It is beautifully written! I am 63 years old and have been interested in the Holocaust since childhood. "..." Read more

"...It was a painful read at times. I did find the translation left something to be desired, but overall the translator had a difficult task...." Read more

"...I read this fine work and would encourage people who enjoy a well-written novel to make the purchase." Read more

8 customers mention "Jewish history"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's profound examination of Jewish history and how it provides understanding of Jewish beliefs. One customer describes it as a compellingly-told narrative of centuries of antisemitic atrocities, while another notes it is a must-read for every new generation.

"...Through the epic story of their ancestors, the author clearly portrays the Jewish culture, their customs, their beliefs and what they go through up..." Read more

"...Also provides understanding of Jewish beliefs that the innocent never suffer due to the presence of 36 just men in the world at all times, though a..." Read more

"...An amazing telling. Jewish concepts are so deep and pull at your soul. At least it does me. I can see why it was an award winner...." Read more

"...today the most emotionally gripping and compellingly-told narrative of centuries of antisemitic atrocities, culminating with the Holocaust." Read more

7 customers mention "Pacing"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book moving, with one customer describing it as shockingly touching.

"...] THis novel ,in my opinionis the greatest,most moving and most unllifting book about the holocaust ever written; about a..." Read more

"Excellent story and very moving. A great deal of historical value." Read more

"...this one is an experience that reaches deep into the heart and touches the soul." Read more

"...An amazing telling. Jewish concepts are so deep and pull at your soul. At least it does me. I can see why it was an award winner...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Ana'FichesdeLectures
    5.0 out of 5 stars "there is no room for truth here" p.376
    Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I just finished reading this beautiful novel, crying and I am once reminded how almost impossible is to accept, understand, grasp : yes, indeed, an Holocaust occurred in our mist.

    I discovered this novel through an Holocaust online class offered by Coursera.org (can't recommend it enough!).

    This is a very unique novel enrapt of figurative narrative giving a tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.

    How did the author accomplish such mission? By sharing the legacy of a Jewish family, the Levys, from the 12th Century up the end of WWII. Through the epic story of their ancestors, the author clearly portrays the Jewish culture, their customs, their beliefs and what they go through up until the Holocaust. We witness how the Levy family suffers through several persecutions (pogroms from Eastern Russia, Poland, Germany); the injustices of antisemitics agenda, the involvement of the Hitler Youth group in the school system and so on. But most importantly, what makes this novel a piece of art of its own, is the quest to determine the reasons of the Jews' fate. Why do the Jews have to suffer all these misfortunes? Why the hate? Why the Holocaust? I don't want to state the reasons here, you have to read this novel to discover them.

    Reading this novel to me, was like listening to a symphony full of beauty, strong feelings, sensing the suffering yet being a song from the soul of human heart.

    I can't recommend this novel enough. Be open-minded, it's a unique novel. Give it a try.
    23 people found this helpful
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  • Trad Capp
    5.0 out of 5 stars "And praised be the Lord."
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A beautifully woven story about a family of Just Men. I wasn't aware of the Talmudic tradition of the "Lamed-Vov," which is portrayed in a fictional, though no less mysterious and sacred, account of the men of the Levy family. We learn of the history of the family, its traditions and its colorful characters in their eastern European beginnings, as they migrate westward into Germany for economic opportunity, and further, harsher journeys eastward by necessity and force.

    The characters made an indelible mark--I smiled at their eccentricities, the beauty in their flaws. Their strength in faith in the face of atrocity moved me to tears. I heard about this book on Dennis Prager's radio show...he made a passing comment, but something made me write the title down. I'm so glad I did, for it's a book that will forever remain etched in the moral part of my brain, and the innermost confines of my heart. It's a rare book that I've finished and felt changed...this is such a book.

    The Kindle edition (as I purchased) has a few flaws--some inconsistencies in casing most often. The most confusing (but still discernible) error is that of the female name "Ilse" which distorts to "Use" at some points in the text. E-books can be buggy, but it hardly mars this story.
    21 people found this helpful
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  • Marilyn Sullivan
    4.0 out of 5 stars I can see why this is considered a classic.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    It's hard to say I "liked" this book. It was a painful read at times. I did find the translation left something to be desired, but overall the translator had a difficult task. There were times I wanted to give up. It's not like I didn't know how the book would end. What made this book different from other holocaust literature was that it focused on the lead-up to the Nazi regime, and it increased my understanding of what a Jew in that era might have experienced, long before entering an extermination camp. I would imagine that in 2016 this book is not attracting a lot of readers, but I'm sure in its time it was eye-opening.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • remarks
    5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificently written
    Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Beautifully translated from the French, I read this book years ago and it is still relevant today. One of the great books still in print…never forgotten.
    One person found this helpful
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  • J. Alvarez
    5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring and emotive story!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    While reading Chapter 1, I kept thinking, "Well, this is an odd book." I had trouble getting into the "different" tone and flow of the translator's words. At one point, I even considered not finishing the book; however, I persevered and I am so glad that I did! By the time I had finished Chapter 2, I could hardly put the book down. It is beautifully written! I am 63 years old and have been interested in the Holocaust since childhood. "The Last of the Just" relates the story of Ernie Levy, the last Just Man, but also the tale of all members of the Jewish faith. This book IS different, but in a good way. It will squeeze the tears from your heart and soul. This book is not for children, but I strongly recommend it to all young adults and adults.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Sybil S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars The last of The Just.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This book is a "Must Read" for book clubs, and anyone interested in reality.
    I read this book when it first came out. It was the first book about the holocaust I was exposed to, and i remember saying to myself 'this is too horrible for anyone to endure, and how could such a thing happen?"
    A few years later, I re-read it, and it the same emotions came flooding back to me.
    I have suggested to my friends who are not familiar with this book or it's author, to read it.
    My oldest son had never heard of Andre Schwarz-Bart, or the book, so I ordered this copy for him. He read it, and was moved deeply.
    I keep my original hard copy in my home library, and plan on re-reading it for the third time.
    It is simply brilliant, and very emotional.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Alyne Perkel
    3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    held my interest wouldn't recommend
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  • Ms. Diane P. Walsh
    5.0 out of 5 stars So that we all may be Just
    Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2007
    Verified Purchase
    The Last of the Just
    THis novel ,in my opinionis the greatest,most moving and most unllifting book about the holocaust ever written; about a jewish boy ,a just man ,in the midst of NAzi Germany and finally the concentration camps.The belief that there a a finite number of Just men ,who keep the balance of goodness in the world, in any given generation and the holocaust ,by killing them tipped a cosmic balance is a powerful . I first read it over 20years ago and I have never forgotten it .It is one of the world's great books .
    I have just replaced my copy { my old one stolen by book lover]because it bears a re read often to remind us all of us may be "just men/womenTHe world can then will be a better place . Read this book to remind yourself of your humanity and that of others who suffer .
    10 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Michael Shanahan
    5.0 out of 5 stars God bless Angela Merkel, who is atoning
    Reviewed in Australia on January 17, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Deep and harrowing into the soul of Judaism, suffering beyond comprehension in the heart of Europe. If this is God's plan that is bad enough, but if there is no God and man does this by himself........
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  • BWD
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve first bought the book in the sixties in its original language, French. It’s one of my all time favourites, about a dynasty of rabbi’s.
    I bought the Kindle version to compare with the French version. It’s beautifully translated.
    My sincere advice is to book lovers is: don’t not buy it, don’t not read it.
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  • C. Potter
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book is very good. It does explain the legend of the 36 ...
    Reviewed in Canada on July 5, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This book is very good. It does explain the legend of the 36 Righteous Men, and I was captivated by the last righteous man, Ernie Levy. Some of the earlier parts of the story are confusing, but the story finally becomes clear and it is extremely moving. I am an avid reader about the Holocaust and so this novel seems very relevant and sad. Man's inhumanity to man is overwhelming. Read this novel if you are a reader of Holocaust writings.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Story of Saness and wickedness
    Reviewed in Canada on December 31, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A Story of Sadness

    Very sad, very real, very soul searching. How can people do what they do to other people. How can the germans live with this history, they are monsters
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  • Tena P.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Horrific and Beautiful
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 5, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    In too many ways, the history of Europe is the history of Jewish suffering. Impossible beauty and impossible horror mix on every page of this book. The Holocaust seems like a bottomless source of inspiration for art and "art" alike, and there is a fine line between wanting to explore the subject and being exploitative. This book is a masterpiece on so many levels: the beauty of the language, the finesse of guiding the last of the Just to his destiny and the unspeakable evil looming like a dark cloud. This is a book that demonstrates the power of written word and makes it impossible to not be moved by it. The Last of the Just should be read and re-read, lest we forget what we are capable of.
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