The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon
The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon
Book Brief
Beta320
Novel • Fiction
•
Mystery & Crime Fiction•
RomanceLisbon, Portugal • 1500s
•
World History2000
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon by Richard Zimler is a historical mystery novel set during the Lisbon Massacre of 1506. The narrative follows a young Jewish manuscript illuminator, who embarks on a quest to solve the murder of his kabbalist mentor amid the chaos and persecution faced by Jews in medieval Portugal.
Mysterious
Dark
Emotional
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
4,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon by Richard Zimler is lauded for its richly detailed historical setting and compelling mystery. Readers praise its vivid depiction of 16th-century Lisbon and engaging narrative. However, some find its pacing uneven and the plot occasionally convoluted. Overall, it is a thought-provoking read with deep historical insight.
Who Should Read The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon?
Readers drawn to The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon would appreciate historical fiction rich in mystery and cultural depth, akin to The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. Fans of complex narratives exploring themes of faith, identity, and persecution in a vividly depicted past will find this book captivating.
4,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon is part of Richard Zimler's "Sephardic Cycle," a series of novels that explores the lives of different generations of a Jewish family with roots in the Iberian Peninsula.
Richard Zimler originally discovered the tale that inspired the novel while researching the history of the Portuguese Jews during the Inquisition.
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The book is highly acclaimed for its rich historical detail and has been translated into over 20 languages, illustrating its global appeal and resonance with diverse audiences.
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320
Novel • Fiction
•
Mystery & Crime Fiction•
RomanceLisbon, Portugal • 1500s
•
World History2000
Adult
18+ years
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