The Last Jew

This book has a little bit of everything: a moving story, an interesting setting, many little misteries, a lot of historically correct information about the times of the Spanish inquisition. It is written in a friendly, easy-to-follow language, and it leaves us with many thoughts about discrimination, courage, love, and the human spirit.

This book traces the wanderings of a Spanish Jew towards the end of the 15th century. Forced to leave his native city of Toledo after the mysterious death of first his brother, then his father, Yonah finds that he exists in limbo. He can no longer be a Jew because the King has expelled them from the country and the Inquisition has forcibly converted, or burned, those who did not leave. He cannot renounce Judaism because in his heart, he knows he must hold fast to the religion of his father. He cannot even pretend to have become a Christian, because converts are treated as second-class citizens by all--and often burned by the Inquisition as 'backsliding Jews'.On this basis, Yonah runs from town to town, taking on jobs and even apprenticeships, but leaving as soon as he fears that his secret will be found out. Over the course of years, we see him learn and grow, from a scared kid with vengeance in his heart to a man who has had to accept his enemies as human beings, even to respect them, as he does his duty as a physician. He meets up with characters that illuminate their time and place: the gypsy dwarf who uses his gift for comedy to influence kings, the daughter of a silk merchant whose father won't let her marry a shepherd, the master armorer whose labor of love is a set of scalpels for his surgeon brother, and the inquisitor whose irrational rage turns out to have an organic cause.The main character remains true to his religious ideals, while changing with each phase of his travels, and it is a joy to witness his growth and marvel at the variety in his life. As a member of the SCA...whose character is a Jew whose family comes from Spain, I found the portrayal of the Inquisition, of the reasons for expelling the Jews, and of the lives of those who remained, to be vivid and inspiring. I would love to think Yonah was my character's father or grandfather.In short: a page turner that involves the reader from start to finish. A must-read for those interested in Jewish history, the Renaissance, and historical mysteries.

...I bought it hesitantly. I liked very much The Physician, so I decided to give this book a try. And... I loved it. The story in the first chapter is fast paced, almost a Yonah's life summary. His first sexual relationship is almost described in a short sentence! But that's only in the beggining. Quickly the book takes the narrative form we all liked in Noah's previous books. It's a book that will pull your feelings out, one that your interest is always building up. If there is anyone hesitant about buying this book... Then hesitate no more. Go buy it!Just a thought: I think the main characters of this book and The Physician are very similar... 1. Both are (a lot)taller and stronger than average 2. Both will become physicians 3. One is pretending to be a Jew, the other pretends to be a christian 4. Both have broken noses! 5. And some more I won't tell, may be spoilers...As a last note: I would rate this book 4.5 stars if possible, because its a great book, but I think The physician was a bit better. But I'm sure there are people who think the opposite.

Fans of Noah Gordon will find much comfort in this book. He returns to familiar themes and rhythms in The Last Jew. Stylistically he borrows much from both master works The Physician and Shaman. While the themes and rhythms of the book are familiar Gordon brings forth a compelling new story that entertains from beginning to end. Perhaps Gordon is somewhat of a nomad, for it is the wanderings of his characters that they take form. The Last Jew paints a vivid picture of one of Christianity's darker moments, yet in the end shows how the goodness of a person can triumph over even the greatest obstacles. Yonah Toledano discovers the cruelty of Christianity as an institution bent to serve other purposes. He discovers the true Christianity in the hearts of those who take him into their lives. The irony of the book lies in the affirmation of all faiths, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam through the instrument of the Spanish Inquisition.The book is about the triumph of the soul, about keeping faith and promises and about never forgetting whom you are. Shorter by a great deal than The Physician and Shaman, it would be an excellent primer for the new Gordon reader before tackling the more complex but equaling compelling trilogy.Thank you Mr. Gordon.

A manera de novela, Noah Gordon nos invita a vivir el horror que padecieron los judíos durante la inquisición. Allí uno se entera de lo que la Iglesia Católica calla. España es el escenario para conocer esa parte de la historia (que aunque en este libro fabulada y recreada con personajes que no existieron como tales) de la que los católico se averguenzan. Es una novela maravillosa, finamente escrita, atrapa la atención del lector al leer las primeras líneas y desde allí se hace dicífil cerrar el libro, hasta llegar al sorprendente final que es la esperanza misma.