Schlepping Through the Alps: My Search for Austria's Jewish Past with Its Last Wandering Shepherd

Book Description

Hans Breuer, Austria’s only wandering shepherd, is also a Yiddish folksinger. He walks the Alps, shepherd’s stick in hand, singing lullabies to his 625 sheep. Sometimes he even gives concerts in historically anti-Semitic towns, showing slides of the flock as he belts out Yiddish ditties.

When New York-based writer Sam Apple hears about this one-of-a-kind eccentric, he flies overseas and signs on as a shepherd’s apprentice. For thoroughly urban, slightly neurotic Sam, stumbling along in borrowed boots and burdened with a lot more baggage than his backpack, the task is far from a walk in Central Park. Demonstrating no immediate natural talent for shepherding, he tries to earn the respect of Breuer’s sheep, while keeping a safe distance from the shepherd’s fierce herding dogs.

As this strange and hilarious adventure unfolds, the unlikely duo of Sam and Hans meander through a paradise of woods and high meadows toward awkward encounters with Austrians of many stripes. Apple is determined to find out if there are really as many anti-Semites in Austria as he fears and to understand how Hans, who grew up fighting the lingering Nazism in Vienna, became a wandering shepherd. What Apple discovers turns out to be far more fascinating than he had imagined.

With this odd and wonderful book, Sam Apple joins the august tradition of Tony Horwitz and Bill Bryson. Schlepping Through the Alps is as funny as it is moving.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Not For Jews Only.......2007-09-23

To paraphrase comic Jeff Foxworthy, if you find this engaging travelogue entirely humorless... you might be an Anti-Semite. (Reading it might be a good self-test.) Although Jewishness and Anti-Jewishness are portrayed throughout, Mr. Apple's writing is so genuine and fluid that anyone with an appreciation for English will enjoy its exceptional quality. While comparisons have been made to Woody Allen, author Sam Apple might better be described as the Hunter S. Thompson of Generation X. Perhaps "Rolling Stone" would do well to engage him to cover the upcoming Presidential election--and those uncomfortable with Jewishness (Jews and non-Jews alike)--would find it less frightening to enjoy a bright new literary light. Meanwhile, try this one: reading through it is no schlep.

A Tale spiced up with enough lively and sometimes humorous commentary that will unquestionably keep readers turning the pages........2006-10-01

Sam Apple, author of Schlepping Through The Alps: My Search For Austria's Jewish Past With Its Last Wandering Shepherd, first encounters Yiddish folk-singer Hans Breuer at a concert and slide show in New York. Breuer, as Apple points out, is not just your ordinary run-of-the mill Yiddish folk-singer, rather he is truly a wandering Jew and as he reveals in his book, "If you ever happen to be hiking the Alps and you see a man singing Yiddish songs as he watches a dog chasing a sheep in a raincoat, no need for concern."

Apple, who grew up in Houston and now makes his home in Brooklyn, was quite intrigued by this forty-five year old Austrian shepherd. The result was a one thousand word article that eventually has being turned into a witty yet insightful book, wherein much of Apple's research was accumulated while traveling in Austria as an apprentice to Breuer.

During their first encounter in New York, Breuer mentioned to Apple that he wanted to bring Yiddish to the uninitiated in the Austrian Alps. When asked if he wanted these individuals to remember their Yiddish neighbors, his reply was: "I want to make them confront for the first time in their lives this culture that their uncles and fathers destroyed." With this in mind Apple decided to voyage to Austria and find out for himself what it was like to be a shepherd in the twenty-first century and to make sense of Han's Jewish identity or as he states, what it really meant for him to sing in Yiddish. He also wanted to learn about sheep, Yiddish music and anti-Semitism.

Apple's engaging narrative is what Yiddish speaking readers would probably classify as a good "meinsa," something akin to an old wife's tale only this story is actually true. Apple beckons us to follow his meandering through the Alps following a herd of sheep, a shepherd, his mistress and young lamb herders, while picking up along the way various shepherding tips from his mentor and learning about Austria's past and present political landscape.

During the course of his apprentice with Breuer, Apple learns about Austria's post-war anti-Nazi legislation that led to the sentencing to death of several Nazis and the conviction and incarceration of thousands of low-ranking Nazis. However, a few years after the enactment of this legislation, a general amnesty came into effect and all but a handful of the worst offenders were free to live happily every after. In fact, the government's constant line about complaints about Austria's behavior during the Holocaust was that if you have one take it to Germany.

Quite telling of Breuer's psyche is that he associates the Austrian countryside with fascism and anti-Semitism. When he encounters people along his shepherding path, he believes that they are all staring at him with cold eyes, aware that he is not one of them. Apple notes that Breuer enjoys being a living part of a dying tradition, where Yiddish and shepherding are relics of another time- nonetheless he takes great pride in both. Moreover, he is not quite sure how much of his own romanticizing of wandering and Jewishness has drawn him to Breuer. However, what he observes about Breuer's shepherding is "the rejection of modern society in the aftermath of the Holocaust. In his Yiddish songs I inevitably listened for the millions of missing Yiddish voices that should have been singing along."

Apple does an excellent job of capturing the flavor of the Austrian Alps with its little villages and inhabitants who seem to either have collective amnesia pertaining to their past or consider themselves blameless. Although he never does find as many anti-Semites as he originally feared, Apple does provide his readers with some serious insights, spiced up with enough lively and sometimes humorous commentary that will unquestionably keep readers turning the pages all the way to the end.

Norm Goldman, Editor Bookpleasures

Spot-on social observations from an adolescent personality.......2006-04-26

"Schlepping Through the Alps" opens a fascinating window for Americans into the little-discussed world of Austria's internal politics. Unfortunately, the view is clouded by Sam Apple's insistence on foisting descriptions on the reader of his neuroses, his sexual adventures with a "hip" Austrian woman, and the banal details of the protagonist's dysfunctional family. Woody Allen worked comic wonders with the neurotic secular Jewish character, but that persona lost its freshness nearly 30 years ago. If a reader may offer advice to Mr. Apple for his next book, it would be to share more of the results of his impressive interviewing and observation skills, and to keep his private life private.

Best Jewish Novel In A Long, Long Time.......2006-03-31

I don't understand how people can fall over themselves to sing praises of Jonathan Safran Foer and his ilk when Sam Apple clearly trumps the ever-living hell out of the supposed new Jewish literary elite. Shelpping Through The Alps draws vivid pictures, raises intense emotions, explores history and modernity, is refreshingly honest and non-pretentious, and best of all, is side-splittingly funny. I generally hate novels, but I couldn't put this one down. It's an inviting read and I invite you to read it and compare to the works of every other Jewish novelist adorning Nextbook, Guilt & Pleasure, et al. Could you honestly say you'd rather see another Everything Is Illuminated than a new book from Sam Apple? I doubt it.

A good book to schlep around.......2006-01-21

Sam Apple, a young, Jewish writer from Houston, decided to spend several weeks with Hans Breuer, a Yiddish-folksong-singing, Austrian, wandering shepherd. This books tells of his visit. We learn about Hans's personal history, and how he came to his most unusual occupation. We also learn quite a bit about anti-Semitism in Austria, both historical and present-day. Both of these are fascinating topics. Whether you enjoy this book will depend on whether you also find interesting its third topic, which is Apple's own rather extensive neuroses.

This book has at least two major strengths. First, the topic itself is certainly fresh. I, for one, have never before read a book about anti-Semitism and modern shepherding. And second, it is very funny. Apple has a number of amusing adventures, and he never hesitates to use self-deprecating humor.

I enjoyed this book very much. I felt its focus was a bit too varied--I had a hard time shifting from discussions of Nazi atrocities to descriptions of Apple's sex life. Also, I finished the book without truly feeling that I understand Hans Breuer very well. Nevertheless, I do recommend it, both for its entertainment value and for its educational value.

I Am Jewish: Personal Reflections Inspired By The Last Words Of Daniel Pearl

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I am Jewish
We Are All Jewish
Being Jewish means much in many different ways
Beautiful book
Stirring tribute to Daniel Pearl

I Am Jewish: Personal Reflections Inspired By The Last Words Of Daniel Pearl

Manufacturer: Jewish Lights Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1580232590

Book Description

WINNER OF THE 2004 NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD FOR ANTHOLOGIES!

Being Jewish. What does it mean—today—and for the future? Listen in as Jews of all backgrounds reflect, argue, and imagine.

When Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was brutally murdered in Pakistan, many Jews were particularly touched by his last words affirming his Jewish identity. Many were moved to reflect on or analyze their feelings toward their lives as Jews.

The saying "two Jews, three opinions" well reflects the Jewish community's broad range of views on any topic. I Am Jewish captures this richness of interpretation and inspires Jewish people of all backgrounds to reflect upon and take pride in their identity. Contributions, ranging from major essays to a paragraph or a sentence, come from adults as well as young people in the form of personal feelings, statements of theology, life stories, and historical reflections. Despite the diversity, common denominators shine through clearly and distinctly.

This inspiring collection presents answers from Jewish people around the world—artists, entertainers, government leaders, authors, media personalities, scientists, community organizers, scholars, rabbis, and others—covering the religious, professional, and political spectrum. They explore:

• Identity—Our relationship to ourselves, how we define who we are in the most fundamental way.
• Heritage—Our relationship to family, community, culture, tradition, and our collective history.
• Covenant, Chosenness, and Faith—Our relationship to God, our understanding of the relationship between God and the Jewish people, and our understanding of Judaism as a religion.
• Humanity and Ethnicity—Our relationship to others who are not part of the Jewish people. How does a sense of particularism relate to the universal themes and teachings of Judaism?
• Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) and Justice—Our relationship to the larger world, and what "I am Jewish" means for what we do with our lives as we address our responsibilities in the world.

In this critical time in our history, I Am Jewish will motivate people throughout the Jewish community to think about their lives as Jews, and have a profound effect on the way younger Jews shape their identity in years to come. It will help people of all faiths and backgrounds to better understand Jewish people and Judaism.

Contributors include:

Ehud Barak
Sylvia Boorstein
Edgar M. Bronfman
Alan Colmes
Alan Dershowitz
Kirk Douglas
Richard Dreyfuss
Kitty Dukakis
Dianne Feinstein
Tovah Feldshuh
Debbie Friedman
Milton Friedman
Thomas L. Friedman
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Nadine Gordimer
David Hartman
Moshe Katsav
Larry King
Francine Klagsbrun
Harold Kushner
Lawrence Kushner
Shia LaBeouf
Norman Lamm
Norman Lear
Julius Lester
Bernard-Henri Lévy
Bernard Lewis
Daniel Libeskind
Joe Lieberman
Deborah E. Lipstadt
Joshua Malina
Michael Medved
Ruth W. Messinger
Amos Oz
Cynthia Ozick
Shimon Peres
Martin Peretz
Dennis Prager
Anne Roiphe
Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Vidal Sassoon
Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi
Daniel Schorr
Harold M. Schulweis
Lynn Schusterman
Natan Sharansky
Gary Shteyngart
Sarah Silverman
Michael H. Steinhardt
Kerri Strug
Lawrence H. Summers
Mike Wallace
Elie Wiesel
Leon Wieseltier
Sherwin T. Wine
Ruth R. Wisse
Peter Yarrow
A. B. Yehoshua
Eric H. Yoffie

Customer Reviews:

I am Jewish.......2007-03-15

I am not Jewish but have a lot of friends who are and wanted to understand them better. Loved the book.

We Are All Jewish.......2005-07-15

This book is:

1. A continuous meditation on the mantra "I am Jewish". Like a niggun.

My father is Jewish
My mother is Jewish
I am Jewish

These, Pearl's last words, could be a prayer from a Siddur I haven't yet seen. If they aren't, they really should be. Closest one would be "Thank you for making me a Jew."

2. My bed time story. Each night before I go to sleep, I read about another Jew -- some are famous and some are not -- then fantasize about what my chapter might say.

Note to self: Visit Reform shul in Scarsdale to witness davening lead by first-ever Korean American Rabbi/Chazzan, daughter of Korean Buddhist mother and American Jewish father.

Being Jewish means much in many different ways .......2004-10-11

It is difficult to write a few lines about this book without thinking about the cruel and evil event that led to it. The murder of Daniel Pearl simply because he was Jewish would seem to take us back into the darkest times of Jewish and human history, to the Nazi era. And in truth the new Islamic Fundamentalism in whose name Pearl was murdered is a frightening and abhorrent phenomenom which is a threat to human civilization and freedom as a whole.
Pearl's last words ' My father is a Jew. My mother is a Jew . I am a Jew' are as I understand it a courageous affirmation of his own identity and connection with his people. It connects with generations of Jewish martyrs who died on ' Kiddush Hashem' crying out as their last words the Jewish declaration of faith in G-d, " Shema Yisrael"
The book itself consists in around one- hundred and fifty personal statements by largely well- known Jews about what being Jewish means to them. The selection to my taste is a little slanted to the ' left and to the Diaspora' and should in my opinion have had more Israelis, and more with a strong religious identity. There are a few who I would not have included. But on the whole the selection is varied, interesting and provides a great deal of meaningful thought. I especially was touched by the words of Kerri Strug the courageous Olympic gymnast but there are many other inspiring accounts also.
This is an important book for anyone who wishes to see the collective face of the Jewish people at this time.

Beautiful book.......2004-10-03

I recently purchased this book and was truly touched by it. I have to admit that I am saddened that some believe that this is too "narrow" because it focuses on what being Jewish means to Jews. Of course this book is not simply for Jews; in fact, I would love for my non-Jewish brothers and sisters to read it to understand what being Jewish means to us. What if it were a book about another community? Can no one write about their own community?

The first part of international understanding is understanding oneself and this book does a great job at this.

Stirring tribute to Daniel Pearl.......2004-05-18

In the wake of tragedy, many survivors, in the face of their immense pain and suffering, are admirably capable of enriching and inspiring the lives of others by means of their particular response. In this unique work, the parents of Daniel Pearl (may G-d avenge his blood) utilize his words uttered only moments before his death, "I am Jewish," to enable others to reflect on their own Jewishness through presenting the "personal reflections" of over 140 extremely diverse Jews on the subject. From rabbis to actors to politicians to journalists to philosphers to authors and more, we learn of what it means to be Jewish. From younger people to the religious to the secular to the famous to the non-famous, we further grapple with the implications of our own Jewishness to our everyday lives. The essays are divided into five categories: 1. Identity 2. Heritage 3. Covenant, Chosenness, and Faith 4. Humanity and Ethnicity 5. Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) and Justice. To my delight, the thoughts of Dennis Prager, one of my favorite thinkers and writers, are included. To conclude, let me share with you one of my favorite essays in the book, authored by the comic, actress, and writer, Sarah Silverman: "Remember the guy who smashed all the idols in the idol store? His mother had a heart attack when she saw the mess, but I'm sure she bragged about it later. That's us. That's me. I am Jewish."

Average customer rating:

Another masterpiece by Gordon
Great Historical Fiction
Great novel
A terrific story
Solid Historical Fiction

The Last Jew
Noah Gordon
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0312300530

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 are expelled from the country by royal edict.Many who wish to remain are intimidated by Church and Crown and become Catholics, but several hundred thousand choose to honor their religion and depart; given little time to flee, some perish even before they can escape from Spain.Yonah Toledano, the 15-year-old son of a celebrated Spanish silversmith, has seen his father and brother die during these terrible days.Trapped in Spain by circumstances, he is determined to revere the memory of his family by remaining a Jew.Yonah begins a meandering journey, a young fugitive zigzagging across the vastness of Spain.Toiling at manual labor, he desperately tries to cling to his memories of a vanished culture.As a lonely shepherd he hurls snatches of almost forgotten Hebrew at the stars; as an apprentice armorer he learns to fight like a Christian knight.Finally, in a time and land where danger from the Inquisition is everywhere, he deals with the questions that mark his past.How he discovers the answers, how he finds his way to a singular and strong Marrano woman, how he achieves a life with the outer persona of a respected Old Christian physician and the inner life of a secret Jew, is the fabric of this novel. The Last Jew is a glimpse of the past, an authentic tale of high adventure, and a tender and unforgettable love story.In it, Noah Gordon utilizes his greatest strengths, and the result is remarkable and moving.AUTHORBIO: NOAH GORDON has had outstanding international success, selling in Germany alone more than eight million copies of his recent trilogy (The Physician, Shaman, and Matters of Choice).The Society of American Historians awarded him the James Fenimore Cooper Prize for Shaman as the best historical novel of 1991/1992.He was also voted "Novelist of the Year" by the readers of the Bertelsmann Book Club, and twice, in 1992 and 1995, he won the Silver Basque Prize for Spain's bestselling book.An earlier book, The Rabbi, was on the New York Times Bestseller list for 26 weeks.Noah Gordon lives with his wife in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews:

Another masterpiece by Gordon.......2007-08-20

I love most of Gordon's books. I say most because I really enjoy historical fiction more than contemporary fiction which can become very quickly dated. I wanted to give this a five star rating but there was such a glaring factual error with regard to Jewish worship that it made me question some of the other information in the book. A sad and beautiful lesson about survival and courage.

Great Historical Fiction.......2007-05-07

This is another great book from the author who gave us The Physician and The Rabbi. I have enjoyed every book he has written.

Great novel.......2007-05-04

It is one of the best books I've read. I actually stayed up all night cuz I couldn't stop. And I cried at the end. Gordon is a marvelous writer and did amazing historic research for this book. He exposes the horrors and cruelty of the christian church of those days, and tells a unique story that helps understand how Jews have overcome similar situations all over the world in the last 3 thousand years.

A terrific story.......2007-02-22

I loved this book and read it really quickly. I couldn't stand to put it down. This is one that I may well read again someday.

Solid Historical Fiction.......2006-04-17

Noah Gordon has here produced a solid novel about the fictional Yonah Toledano, surviving son of a Jewish silversmith slain in the furor of the Spanish Inquisition because of his involvement with churchly politics and relics. Yonah must fend for himself in the aftermath of his family's destruction and flees his native Toledo to travel across the Spanish countryside, becoming peon, shepherd, sailor and armorer by turns. Fleeing his enemies who are constantly behind him in the form of the dreaded Inquisition, Toledano takes a number of aliases and eventually settles first in the area of Gibraltar in southern Iberia and then in the north in Saragossa where he at last finds his calling as a physician. The story's well crafted, the characters richly drawn, and the details of the various cultures (from the Spanish towns and countryside to the flight of the Jews and the lurking of the gypsies) even more so. But the story is marred by a series of coincidences that impel the plot forward and are sometimes a stretch. Yonah becomes a man in the process, learning to work and fight, and to love women, though he finds these last hard to come by in his habitually straightened circumstances. Still, he grows with each experience and eventually finds a rough form of reconciliation and solace with the heritage he has lost. The best part of the tale is the well detailed and convincing background Gordon has managed to develop for his story. Nor is the story farfetched for Yonah remains very much a realistic person and does not miraculously metamorphose into a heroic gladiator type despite the trappings of sword, armor and knighthood he eventually acquires in his travels. Though he ultimately rises to the occasion to kill one man who clearly deserves it and arranges for the deaths of two others who had aimed to bring about his own, Yonah remains very much an everyman as he struggles to find his vocation and destiny. The female characters were a might weak and overly confined to the background of the tale but this didn't detract from the book's effectiveness. In the end it was quite compelling (after a somewhat sluggish start) and the ending suitably uplifting. -- SWM

The Last Mission (Laurel-Leaf Historical Fiction)

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The ugly reality of war vs. a boy's romantic dreams
Jack Raab
The Last Mission
A Boys New Life...
Outstanding Book!

The Last Mission (Laurel-Leaf Historical Fiction)
Harry Mazer
Manufacturer: Laurel Leaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0440947979
Release Date: 1981-01-15

Book Description

In 1944, as World War II is raging across Europe, fifteen-year-old Jack Raab dreams of being a hero. Leaving New York City, his family, and his boyhood behind, Jack uses a false I.D. and lies his way into the U.S. Air Force.

From their base in England, he and his crew fly twenty-four treacherous bombing missions over occupied Europe. The war is almost over and Hitler near defeat when they fly their last mission -- a mission destined for disaster. Shot down far behind enemy lines, Jack is taken prisoner and sent to a German POW camp, where his experiences are more terrifying than anything he'd ever imagined.

Customer Reviews:

The ugly reality of war vs. a boy's romantic dreams.......2007-07-08

When 15-year-old New Yorker Jack Raab uses his older brother's birth certificate to lie his way into the Army, his head is filled with dreams of glorious battle. He hates Hitler on behalf of his fellow Jews everywhere, and considers seeing the Nazi dictator dead a sort of personal mission. Big for his age and training among boys who actually aren't much older, he's surprised at just how easy it is to pull off the deception. Soon he's training as a B-17 bomber's waist gunner, and then he's off to an air base in England. But not before meeting a girl named Dotty, who also believes he's 19.

War's reality hits young Jack in the face soon enough, once he starts flying missions over Germany. 25 of them, the magic number that sends any airman who's still alive back to the U.S. - but that last mission, for Jack, ends on the ground in Nazi Austria after his plane is shot down. He's the only survivor, and by this time the only thing he wants on earth is to go home to his family.

Author Mazer wisely refuses to airbrush or mute the realities of war as Jack experiences it. The raw language of both barracks and battle zone, the terror and exhaustion of crewing a B-17 on a 9-hour mission over the enemy's homeland, the sheer ugliness of death and the even greater ugliness of hatred, all come through as if the reader is right there with him. This former teacher of 15-year-olds absolutely loved this book!

Jack Raab.......2007-03-09

Jack Raab is a 15 year old kid who wants to become a hero. He lies about his age to get into the U.S Air Corps. At his base is england he flies many missions.On his last mission his plane gets shot down, and jack lands behind enemy lines. Jack gets taken to POW Camp with the Germans.
This is a very good war book for readers. But should only be read for young adults for swearing.

The Last Mission.......2007-03-03

Jack Raab is a very young and brave soldier and is a 16-year-old Jewish boy who lives in New York. In the beginning of the book, he took his 19-year-old brothers birth certificate to get into the air force in England during World War II. Later, since the air force thinks that he is 19, they let him join the air force and become a gunman in the center part of the plain. He has always wanted to shoot a gun. He also joined the air force because he hated Adolf Hitler, and he had Jewish relatives in Germany. A couple of days later, he went to training in Miami. While he was there, he met Dotty, and they became best friends. Soon he had learned everything he needed to know about shooting a gun and about the air force, he went to his base in England. About a month later, he went on his last mission over Pilsen, Germany. He got shot down so he jumped out of the plain and used his parachute. When he landed he was captured and taken as a prisoner of war. He thought he would make to Hitler's base and kill him, but his plan didn't work out. A couple of weeks later, they heard on the news that Hitler had been killed. As soon as the Germans heard that Hitler was killed, they let Jack, Stan, and every other prisoner of war go. When they were set free, they took one of the German soldiers pistols, and drove out of the town they were in. About 20 minutes later, they came to the American soldiers, and went home. So do you think this looks like an interesting book?

A Boys New Life..........2007-02-09

This is an outstanding novel taking place in 1944 during World War II. Fifteen year old Jack Raab has always dreamed of becoming a hero. Jack decides to leave New York City, his family, friends and lie his way into the U.S Air Corps. At their base in England the crew has flown many missions. The war is near to an end, Hitler is close to defeat. Their last mission over occupied territory is destined for disaster. Jack's plane is shot down; he's the only one of his crew who made it out alive. He is taken prisoner and sent to a German POW camp, where his experience was terrifying!
This is a teeth chattering book with great detail and suspense. I would recommend this book to anyone from young adults to seniors. The author does extremely well with making you feel like you're in the middle of everything.
Harry Mazer is an incredible author who's written many great books such as, Snow Bound and Who is Eddie Leonard. In my opinion, this book's a historical classic!

Outstanding Book!.......2006-06-19

I never thought that I was going to read an intense war book with such a good and meaningful ending. "The Last Mission" is a story of a fifteen-year-old boy who lies about his age to get into the airforce during World War Two. He wants to be a hero, but when he is put to the test during the war, he regrets his decision greatly.

The book is filled with intense action scenes with good details to really make you feel like your right there with the characters. Throughout the book, you wonder how the author could make such a tradgic book have a good ending. The truth is that the ending isn't such a happy one, but more of one with a great lesson to it.

I would definatley suggest this book to higher aged teens due to language and certain scenes in the book. I can almost guarantee that anybody that reads this book will get something great out of it!

Sophia House (Children of the Last Days)

Average customer rating:

Almost great literary fiction
Two grievously wounded men search for God and find Him in each other.
Sophia House is a great read!
Story of a soul
A wonderful end to the collection

Sophia House (Children of the Last Days)
Michael D. O'Brien
Manufacturer: Ignatius Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1586170392

Book Description

Sophia House is set in Warsaw during the Nazi occupation. Pawel Tarnowski, a bookseller, gives refuge to David Schäfer, a Jewish youth who has escaped from the ghetto, and hides him in the attic of the book shop. Throughout the winter of 1942-43, haunted by the looming threat of discovery, they discuss good and evil, sin and redemption, literature and philosophy, and their respective religious views of reality. Decades later, David becomes a convert to Catholicism, is the Carmelite priest Fr. Elijah Schäfer called by the Pope to confront the Anti-christ in Michael O'Brien's best-selling novel, Father Elijah: an Apocalypse.

In this "prequel", the author explores the meaning of love, religious identity, and sacrifice viewed from two distinct perspectives. The cast of characters also includes the notorious Count Smokrev, a literate Nazi Major, a French novelist, a terrifying Polish bear, the Russian icon painter Andrei Rublev, and Pawel's beloved Kahlia, the elusive figure who moves through the story as an unseen presence. As the story unfolds, the loss of spiritual fatherhood in late Western society is revealed as a problem of language in the heart and soul, and as one of the gravest crises of our times. As the author points the way to rediscovery of our Father in heaven, he also shows us the path to renewal of human fatherhood. This is a novel about small choices that shift the balance of the world.

Customer Reviews:

Almost great literary fiction.......2007-08-29

I like Michael O'Brien's political and religious sensibilities and I think he's an excellent icon painter. Nonetheless, having now read both Father Elijah and Sophia House, I have been less than impressed by these books. They are written in the tradition of the great literary novel, and have some of the feel of a 19th Century Russian classic. They are deeply philosophical and rich in symbolism. And yet something intangible is missing, and they seem to me to fall a little flat. The pages and pages of philosophical dialogue are interesting at first but then seem to drone and ramble on, getting less and less interesting, as if the author is writing one of those limitless 'dialogues with self'. The characters are philosophically inclined, and yet seem to lack a more fundamental depth and color of character - for instance, David Shafer in Sophia House, though a major character, is simply too one-sided and predictable to the point of being unreal. Same with the Count, and with most other characters who appear as caricatures of sorts - the exception being Tarnowski, who does struggle with his own orientation, but doesn't really ever waiver enough. Even his years in Paris are a kind of unreal dream, since he is never really tempted, only forced or unwittingly duped into situations that humiliate him. He struggles with his past, but he never really comes to terms with himself as a person. Even at the end of the book, when he finally does something "great", he doesn't seem to really "get himself" as a person - who was he all these years, and what drove him? Has he really emerged from the self-deception into self-understanding? Altogether the book was disappointing to me, though I wanted to like it. It is a good attempt at a classic, but IMHO, it is not quite there. Perhaps the future ones will get there.

Two grievously wounded men search for God and find Him in each other........2006-06-22

Michael O'Brien's Sophia House is the "prequel" to another masterpiece of his, Father. Elijah: An Apocalypse, which I've also reviewed.

In Sophia House, O'Brien reintroduces us to a young David Schäfer, who was to become Father Elijah much later. O'Brien paints for us David's existence in his hiding place in Warsaw, the dusty attic of Pawel Tarnowski's bookshop, which O'Brien previously sketched in Father. Elijah: An Apocalypse.

Now, in Sophia House, O'Brien slowly--at times, too slowly--paints the relationship that developed between David, the fugitive son of a Jewish Orthodox zadiq or "saint" who was killed in the Holocaust, and Pawel Tarnowski, a book antiquarian and a frustrated artist with a secret: he suffers from same-sex attraction. Tarnowski is a homosexual person, psychologically damaged in his childhood when a granduncle and failed priest molested him. Tarnowski spent his life resisting his inclination, first by pursuing an artistic vocation and then, by practicing prayer and contemplation. Slowly, steadily, God turned him into a mystic with the mission of being the protector of a young man who later became God's instrument in a critical mission at the End Times.

The encounter between David and Tarnowski triggered an exchange of ideas and dreams. Their tragedies became intertwined. David becomes aware of something wonderful, ineffable, transcending the confines of his rich Jewish faith, yet he never embraced in this insight in this book. Tarnowski, on the other hand, in an ultimate act of love--charis, agape--becomes Jewish without stopping from being Catholic. How is this possible? Because he took David's place in the gas chamber, giving his life for the young man and in atonement for his own sins and that of others, forgiving all, forgiving even himself. Tarnowski becomes a Christ figure in the worst place on earth.

Well, I love this book, but I warn the reader that Sophia House is more cerebral than Father. Elijah: An Apocalypse. It is not as fast-paced as the previous work. Tarnowski's circumspect, taciturn nature is so intense that some of the dialogues seemed to drag on too long for him. Tarnowski's nature makes him too detached and a reluctant participant in these exchanges that so captivated David. O'Brien gets it right at the end but while one wades through these chapters, one wonders if the dialogue would get deeper, or if it will ever end with some resolution. This defect is very minor and it does not affect the novel's trajectory and goal, which are a meditation on the nature of good and evil and of the God who is present in the worst places, at the worst times, shining through deeply flawed human beings striving to keep His Image and Likeness pristine in their souls.

All things considered: Sophia House is good. It is literature, and that's the best thing I can say of any book I read.

Sophia House is a great read!.......2005-10-02

I highly recommend Sophie House! The author dedicates this book this way, "For those whose sacrifice is hidden in the heart of God, those whose "small" choices shift the balance of the world" and that says it all. This book leaves a simple reader with the belief that (a paraphrase from a character), " a life is a word spoken" Unforgettable!

Story of a soul.......2005-09-23

This is a preview to the book Father Elijah, but it is actually the story of the spiritual struggles of the hero, Pawel Tarnowsky.
Superficially, the plot is about how the owner of "Sophia House" bookstore, who one day is confronted with a Jewish lad fleeing from the Nazis. He takes him in, and hides him, and they converse about various things, and at the climax, Pawel stays behind so David can get away.
But the real story is Pawel's spiritual journey. He must not only confront and overcome his own sinful impulses, but his main struggle is to be healed in the wounds of his own soul. So we see a man struggling with loneliness, homosexuality, and unforgiveness...and the real climax is when he learns to feel charity for those who hurt him, because he learns to see them as hurt and wounded children rather than as evil sinners...
The "old fashioned" morality behind this struggle will put off many. And the compassionate viewing of a holy gay man will turn off many rigid moralists.
But for those who wish to see a sensitive portrayal of a man's journey to wholeness and peace, then I recommend this book..

A wonderful end to the collection.......2005-09-17

Beautiful, deep book, and definitely one of my favourites of the "Children of the last days" collection... wonderful character insights, and beautiful imaginery...

Last Days in Babylon: The History of a Family, the Story of a Nation

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Last Days in Babylon
The story of ethnic cleansing in the middle east

Last Days in Babylon: The History of a Family, the Story of a Nation
Marina Benjamin
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0743258436

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Enjoyed this book.......2007-04-17

I really enjoyed this book. I was not only drawn in by her skill as a writer, but the fascinating history of the Jewish people in Iraq. After reading Benjamin's book I also have a greater understanding for what is going on in Iraq today.

Last Days in Babylon.......2007-02-21

The book was extremely authentic in detail and provided an extensive and touching history of the babylonian jews who had lived in Iraq for hundreds of years and had proposered and reached a population of 125,000 prior to their dispora that began in the 1940s'.

Not only did the author provide historic detail and events by taking us through the well known street and shopping areas, and discussed many of the customs and practices of that era. She also touched on the remaining Jews in Bagdhad that lived under the constraints of Sadam Husseeinn's regime and refused to leave their homeland. This is a must read book for all descendants who are living all over trhe worlds and want to reach back anf learn of their heritage

The story of ethnic cleansing in the middle east.......2007-02-04

Marina Benjamin chronicles the life of her grandmother, Regina Sehayek, an Iraqi Jewish woman along with the 20th century history of the Jews of Iraq from a once vibrant community of 140,000 to one that is now extinct. While this factual narrative has been meticulously researched, it reads like a novel and captures the readers attention from the very first page. Aside from chronicling the life of the Jews, Ms. Benjamin details the rise of Arab nationalism from the fall of the Ottoman Empire to the Baathist regime of Saddam Hussein and sheds some light on why the relationship between "cousins", Arabs and Jews, who once lived in relative harmony in what is now Iraq, has so badly deteriorated and why this important Jewish minority community was expelled after more than 2000 years in Babylon.

Last Waltz in Vienna: The Destruction of a Family, 1842-1942

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An earlier edition of a now reissued family saga

Last Waltz in Vienna: The Destruction of a Family, 1842-1942
George Clare
Manufacturer: Henry Holt & Co (P)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0805010394

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An earlier edition of a now reissued family saga.......2005-02-20

This book apparently has been reprinted by Pan Books in Britain more recently, but is available in many libraries in the US, although it remains here out of print. I copy my review from the Pan edition hereafter; this Holt copy carries the whole subtitle.

This well-written, incisive, and even-handed telling of the author's Klaar family in Austria, 1842-1942, is a fine way to find out about how many Jews entered into the middle classes out of the shetl and worked their way up into the military and civilian ranks. The end of the narrative, when the author becomes a protagonist as he does in the opening pages, really captured my interest much more.

I wish Clare had taken more time with his own gripping story rather than so much focus on his predecessors, but this undoubtably is out of humility and respect for his forebears. I cannot tell if the book was written in German and then translated by the same author or if Clare only wrote the German original and the original publisher (Macmillan in London) anonymously translated it into fluid, forceful, and thoughtful English. Perhaps a minor point given the impact of the climax of the tale he tells of his kindred, but I commend him for the effort he put into his work, in the telling and the style both.

Also recommended: Charles Fenyvesi's account of how he excavated the roots and found the branches still flourishing of his Hungarian Jewish ancestors over the past 300 years, "When the World Was Whole."

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In the Name of the Kabbalist Uncle
Vivid and Disturbing
Intriguing thriller with vivid historic details
Highest Marks for Mystical Mystery
Murder and a history lesson

Last Kabbalist of Lisbon
Richard Zimler
Manufacturer: Overlook Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0879518340

Amazon.com

Richard Zimler's The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon is not a particularly religious novel, but it uses religion to great dramatic effect. Although its story takes place during the 16th- century slaughter of Jews in Portugal, and its main characters are Jewish mystics, Zimler is less interested in describing their spiritual lives than in plotting a fantastic murder mystery. The book purports to be a modern translation of a medieval manuscript telling the story of the murder of a great kabbalist in Lisbon named Abraham. Occasionally, the story invokes a bit of kabbalist wisdom that is every bit as luminous as the ancient texts that inspired this novel: "Books are created from holy letters," one character says. "Just as angels are, according to some. Viewed from this perspective--through a window of Kabbalah, if you like--an angel is nothing but a book given heavenly form." Such moments are too rare for the book to be very perceptive about the tradition to which its title alludes, but nevertheless, it's an absorbing and genuinely suspenseful story. -- Michael Joseph Gross

Customer Reviews:

In the Name of the Kabbalist Uncle.......2007-07-04

This is a mystery that is also an historical novel and a condemnation of both the catholic church and the monarchies of the Iberian Peninsula. At the end of the fifteenth century, their "Most Catholic Majesties" Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain, decided to convert the Jews and Moslems of recently conquered Cordova as well as those in the rest of their kingdom. Underlying this decision was their ability to confiscate the riches and properties of anyone who didn't "volunteer" to convert. Even then, many of the 'converso' or New Christians were slaughtered to get their wealth on the argument that they were still 'secret jews'.

In 1497, King Manual of Portugal was convinced by the Dominican Friars that the Jews (and Moslems) of Portugal should be brought under the protection of the Catholic Church. Jews and Moslems were forcibly brought to the baptismal font and converted. Many were driven into the Tagus River where they were baptized 'en mass'; if a few (or more than a few) drowned, no matter, their souls were saved.

Ten years later (the 'New Christians' had been given twenty years to give up their evil ways) there was a 'pogrom' in Portugal, and many of the 'New Christians' were massacred and/or burned alive in the central square of Lisbon over a three day period that happened to coincide with Passover. The mobs that terrorized the city were lead by Dominican monks (many who would pay with their lives, later) who seemed to have taken especial pleasure in torturing, raping and plundering these New Christian/Jews.

In this atmosphere is set this novel. A well known and respected illuminator of books (and secret Kabbalist) is found murdered (his neck is cut the way an animal has to be to be considered slaughtered in the Kosher way) along with a young woman. They are both naked and the secret room they are in is locked from the inside. His nephew and protege, must find out who has killed his uncle.

This is a locked room mystery, and everything else is window dressing, but it's great window dressing and Zimler does a great job in describing both the historical, cultural and societal context within which all of the action occurs. It's a great read.

Vivid and Disturbing.......2007-04-24

Set in 1506 Lisbon, "The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon" is a thriller that centres on a young manuscript illuminator whose uncle was found dead with a naked girl with him. The uncle was a Kabbalist and the investigation leads Berekiah into some rather unpredictable twists and turns.

The novel is rich in detail as it plunges the reader into the seething masses of fear and suspicion that raged at the time. Christians were burning Jews and massacres were pretty common experiences. Even the so-called Christians who had converted from Judaism were not safe. It is some of the more violent scenes that left me with a rather bitter aftertaste.

The book itself is well written, with a lot happening. I found it a hard book to second guess, which was a satisfying element to the book. The plot and setting are fairly unique, and I have not read a book exactly like it before.

Also, people interested in Kabbalah might find it an interesting foray in that mysterious world. A cynic might say that it was a useful marketting ploy on Richard Zimler's part, but the whole Kabbalist angle lends the book a specialness rarely found.

For crime fans, this is a book with something different and a definite alternate flavour. I enjoyed it immensely and would recommend it without reservation.

Intriguing thriller with vivid historic details.......2006-07-28

In 1496, King Manuel of Portugal decides to convert the Portuguese Jews to Christianity rather than expelling them from Portugal. He didn't want to loose the main pillars of the country's commerce activities. However, these New Christians, as they were called, secretly persisted in their beliefs praying in Hebrew and keeping the Sabbath and as much of their rituals as was possible.

One of these 'Secret' Jews was Abraham Zarco, a renowned and respected Kabbalist who was found dead with a dead naked girl by his side. The story is narrated by his nephew, Benekiah Zarco a talented young manuscript illuminator who tried to solve this enigmatic murder.

This is not an ordinary thriller. It is a beautiful mystery story and a history lesson.

Highest Marks for Mystical Mystery.......2005-07-12

If the histororical intrigue doesn't keep the pages turning (and have you checking some of the authors sources); if the religious tightrope isn't taunt and narrow enough for you; if the mystery itself doesn't at least make you head for the back page faster than you should... I'd be suprised. Excellent work! Much more enjoyable and much more "historic" than The DaVinci Code or Angels and Demons. None of Brown's "hidden agenda" stuff either. You can either account this author's historical take as fully valid or not, but you're going to have to do some REAL history research to get there. Historical fiction is much more enjoyable when its not being squished out of murky controversy and alterior motive, and The Last Kabblist is a perfect blend of pacing, mystery and oh so much more!

Murder and a history lesson.......2004-06-26

"The last kabbalist of Lisbon" is a man named Berekiah Zarco, a jew living in Lisbon in the beginning of the 16th century. During that year's Passover celebration, the christian population in Lisbon revolted against the jews, and many atrocities were commited. Zarco's uncle, Abraham, a powerful jew and kabbalist, was involved in many irregular activities. During the riots, Berekiah's life is turned upside down, and, among other things, his beloved uncle is murdered, under mysterious circumstances.

Richard Zimler has created a novel based in many layers, characters and situations. Sometimes a little confusing, but always interesting, Zimler guides us since his discovery of the hidden documents written by Zarco centuries ago, to his misfortunes while trying to find his uncle's murderer. The violence contained in the novel is purposedly very graphic, so that the reader can relate to what happened during the period. Most of his characters are complex, but, even if the story is narrated in first person, I felt detached from Berekiah, the main character, paying attention to other characters, more interesting in my opinion.

Zimler has written a story that is really a "whodunnit", mixed with the fictional account of one of the most unhappy times in human history. I liked it and recommend it, although it is a little too dense to become "popular".

Book Description

From the author of The Official JAP Handbook, a recovery book for people who don't have time right now for a 12-step program because they really should call Mom. With exercises, quizzes, and scads of advice, Adult Children of Jewish Parents might remind readers of books by Melody Beattie, John Bradshaw, or M. Scott Peck. Line drawings.

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I discovered the fate of my family from someone who saw it first hand
Incredible Holocaust Story
Inspiring
Very Interesting!

Never the Last Journey
Felix Zandman , and David Chanoff
Manufacturer: Schocken
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0805241280
Release Date: 1995-05-16

Customer Reviews:

I discovered the fate of my family from someone who saw it first hand.......2005-10-06

For many years my mother's family was presumed completely obliterated by the Holocaust until I found Dr. Zandman and his book. I was finally able to put fates with the faces of the people I knew only through aging photographs.

This is a book of horrors and of triumph over adversity. That Dr. Zandman was able to survive what he did and still go on to become the fine international businessman that he did is nothing short of miraculous. Where others would have just ceased to go on he found the courage and the strength to live his life to it's fullest.

The personal stories that he tells of his Great Aunt Sonya and his Grandfather Nochum are absolutely heartwrenching and leave you wondering simply how so many people could hate so much.

Incredible Holocaust Story.......2003-05-05

An ageless and inspiring story of determination, survival, and ultimately triumph. Zandman's story brings home minute details about being Jewish during this horrific period of time--right down to the mindset of most Jewish families in Poland. This book clearly illustrates how subtle, calculating, and conniving Hitler was as he, not all at once, but gradually moved the Jews from their homes, to the ghetto and finally the death camps.
After I read this, the first time, I wanted nothing more than to meet Felix Zandman personally. Even the title inspired me to always push forward and to never give up.

Inspiring.......2000-06-07

As a stock analyst, I've seen many CEO's and heard many success stories. This is a heartwarming story of dedication and triumph unlike that of any other business executive. Despite spending his youth in hiding from Nazis, Dr. Zandman manages to get a PhD., move to America and found a small engineering company that ends up being one of the world's largest suppliers of electronics components.

Very Interesting!.......2000-03-14

Zandman's historical part of this book is great. It gives you a great perspective of his life during the Holocust. More background would have been great. Got the feeling that his business associates have been less than desirable chaps.

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