When all unconverted Jews are expelled from Spain during th Inquisition, a 15-year-old Yonah Toledano is left behind. He begins a meandering journey, part desperate flight, part voyage of discovery. The story of his growth into manhood ‐ as a physician with the outer persona of an Old Christian and a soul that clings to his Jewish roots has made THE LAST JEW one of the best-selling books in the world. This raw novel showcases Gordon’s strength as a writer of provocative historical fiction. He illuminates the choices history forces on individuals ‐ and, not incidentally , creates a grand, informal adventure and a completely engaging, unsentimental portrait of a turbulent time.
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‐- who been an integral part of Spanish life since the days of the Romans‐- are expelled from the country by Royal Edict. Many who wish to remain are intimidated by Church and Crown and become Catholics.
His parents are killed and the novel recounts how Yonah represents himself as a Christian under an assumed name, Ramon. His flight, his years of manual labour as a farmhand, seaman and shepherd, sees him apprenticed to an armourer. Each time some incident forces him to keep on the move, ending up in Saragossa, and become a physician. The author’s research into the period is thorough and the maps of Yonah’s journey from Toledo to Saragossa make the task easier. After his armourer is killed, he is honour-bound to deliver a box of money to the armourer’s brother, a physician to whom he becomes apprenticed, eventually becoming a well-respected physician himself. There are details in the story that don’t square-up easily. Yonah moves about easily in 15th- century Spain in an era when most people barely left their villages, life being local back then. Destiny and fate play a relentless role in his life.
His story is both a coming of age novel and a picaresque adventure. In Granada he finally meets people of his own faith, joining a family of the silk merchant, Saadi. Yonah’s love for Ines, the young daughter of the family, however remains unfulfilled. He moves to Gibraltar.
Gordon tries to capture the heart and soul of an individual who is forced to lead a double life. The enemy in this book is the perilous daily existence of an outlaw in the society. His very life is an act of defiance and his every breath an act of rebellion. The book ends on a positive note and a hopeful one, too boot. The author’s style of writing is quick without the addition of flowery sentences or an archaic use of language.
THE LAST JEW explores the complexities interplay of faith, identity, and survival in a world fraught with religious persecution and societal upheavals. The novel delves into the struggles of Conversos and Jews in 15th century Spain, highlighting the resilience required to maintain one’s identity amidst adversity. The narrative underscores the enduring power of family, faith and heritage, as characters navigate a world that demands conformity, yet punishes differences.
Gordon’s exploration of redemption, justice, and the human spirit’s capacity for change offers a poignant reflection on the timeless themes of identity and belonging.
A cracker read.
