The Last Jew

"The Last Jew" is a novel by Noah Gordon, 2000. It is about the Jews in the 15th century Spain, in the time of Inquisition, when the Jews are expelled from Spain. It tell the story of the life of a Jewish boy named Yonah Toledano.

Plot summary

The year is 1492 and Spain is in the grip of the Inquisition. The Church has sponsored anti-Jewish feeling, culminating in the expulsion by royal edict of the entire Jewish community from their homes of many generations. Those that have not converted are forced to leave.

However, 15-year-old Yonah Toledano has been left behind. He has lost family members to the troubles, both his father, a celebrated Spanish silversmith, and his brother. On a donkey named Moise, he journeys, remaining a Jew, growing to manhood across Spain to escape his fate.

Literary significance and reception

Many critics have reviewed the book and their comments have often been positive. :"This is an excellent, abundant tapestry of a historical novel that will keep readers on the edges of their seats." — The Providence JournalThe Last Jew Noah Gordon's official entry "The Critics Say"] :"Consistently superb ... The new novel showcases Gordon's strength as a writer of provocative historical fiction." — The San Francisco ChronicleThe Last Jew "The Critics Say"] :" [Noah Gordon] illuminates the choices history forces on individuals—and, not incidentally, creates a grand, informative adventure and a completely engaging, unsentimental portrait of a turbulent time." — Publishers WeeklyThe Last Jew "The Critics Say"] :"Gordon is a natural storyteller, and, given the novel's fascinating setting and a more-than-likeable hero, this superior historical novel should have a place in all libraries." — Library Journal The Last Jew "The Critics Say"]

Awards and nominations

*Que Leer Prize winner (Spain)
*Boccaccio Literary Prize winner (Italy)

Footnotes

References

*cite web | title="The Last Jew" Noah Gordon's official entry" | last= | first= | work= | url=http://www.noahgordonbooks.com/lastjew.html | date= | accessdate=