The Last of the Just

Viac o knihe

In every generation, Jewish tradition holds that thirty-six "just men" are born to bear the world's suffering. This powerful novel recounts the life of Ernie Levy, the last of the just, who perished at Auschwitz in 1943. Written by a largely self-educated young man, the book became a literary sensation upon its release, with French critics heralding it as a "great novel" and "one of the most important books to appear in our time." The public's response was overwhelming, with sales surpassing 400,000 copies in France within five months. The jury for France's prestigious Prix Goncourt even advanced the award date to ensure this remarkable work received its due recognition. The narrative unfolds as a poignant drama of Jewish suffering, martyrdom, and transfiguration, beginning with a twelfth-century pogrom and culminating in a gas chamber. Throughout, it captivates readers with its narrative strength, warmth, simplicity, humor, and deep understanding of humanity. Described as an epic, it is likely to resonate with audiences globally, akin to other significant works like The Wall and The Diary of Anne Frank. This novel is poised to be a lasting part of American literary discussions and remembrance.