The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon Paperback – March 15, 2000

The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon by Richard Zimler is a treasure box of a book, filled with gems of beautiful writing, philosophical questions, and contemplations on right and wrong, love and betrayal. The story begins with the author renting an old house in Istanbul, and discovering a hidden room containing rare, beautifully illuminated Jewish manuscripts from the 1500's written by an illuminator, Berekiah Zarco. The author translates the books, and Zarco's story unfolds:He was a young Jew boy caught up in the Lisbon during the infamous massacre of the Jewish in 1506. During these horrific events, when the world is turned upside down for him, someone kills his beloved uncle. It falls to him to solve the mystery of his uncle's murder against the backdrop of the pogrom taking place around him.The story is captivating, the setting is atmospheric & authentic, the myriad characters are all complex, real characters, and the writing is exquisite. If that is not enough, the story raises questions about human nature, good and evil, religion, tolerance, love and hate -- everything that is important is discussed in this book in a thoughtful, thought-provoking way. So highly recommended that I went out and got a second copy of the book so that I could lend it without giving up my own copy.

I decided to read this book as we were traveling through Spain and Portugal, ending in Lisbon. In addition. the Inquisition was such an important part of the history of both these countries, and it was interesting to read an account of how this horrific period impacted the daily lives of people, in particular the Jews, but also the Muslims. I found the writing a bit challenging, as the author tried to remain true to the use of language in the 16th century. Also, I had some difficulty keeping the characters straight, especially reading this on my iPad without easy ability to flip back and forth to re-read who someone was and how they related. But overall, I found it a very interesting and worthwhile read to learn about the Inquisition and life in Lisbon at that time.

Though in novel form, this is a solemn and important reminder of the long, ugly history of anti-semitism.

Nah, although The Spectator's blurb asserts it in the back cover.This is basically a tale of the 1506 Lisbon pogrom of converted Jews (there weren't any other), in which 2,000 were murdered by the populace, egged on by Dominican friars.The novel is written in a dark, stark, relentless, inflamed, ominous, apocalyptic style, like Gregorio's beatiful "A critique of Criminal Reason", but even more so. It's narrated in the first person by a twenty-year old Kabbalist apprentice whose uncle is murdered by an unknown person during the pogrom; the search for the killer provides the scaffolding on which the pogrom description is hung.As a mystery the book is mediocre. Its main appeal comes from the very good and frill-less recreation of 16th C Lisbon's dwellers and atmosphere. So good in fact that I would rate it four stars were it not for some colloquialisms ("ok" and such) that contrast sharply and disagreeably with the rest of the text. Their use is a deliberate choice, so the author tells us in a note at the beginning. But IMO they do vastly more harm than good, chopping the narration's flow.Towards the end, the Kabbalist prophesies the coming of the Nazis, but, strangely enough, urges his readers to shun Christians for Moslems, and calls for benedictions upon Suleiman the Magnificent. Now it's true that the Ottoman Empire was very tolerant compared to contemporary European ones, and Muslim Spain and Portugal were a paradise for Jews compared to what came afterwards, but it's strange that Zimler should choose to exhort the Jews to leave Europe for the Umma in view of the current Jewish-Palestinian enmity. Didn't Berekiah's prophetic powers extend to 1948?To summarize: buy if you like nontrivial prose. It could be four or five stars for you!

I love all of the books in Zimler's "Sephardic series," and this is where it all began. I've just given something like my fourth or fifth copy of it to a younger friend or relative interested in history and/or Jewish mysticism, and they've all loved it so far.

So much of the writing is masterful, and the view of 16th Century Lisbon is remarkable in its detail. However, in my opinion the story line is far-fetched. And of course at the end the culprit explains all his motives and chicanery. On the other hand, I bought the book hoping to "see" 16th Century Lisbon and was not disappointed.

It's a complicated murder mystery. I don't often read murder mysteries, but it was recommended for its evocation of the Kabbalist movement during the Inquisition. It is well written, pleasant, easily flowing and, assuming that it is accurate (the probability is that it is--the geography is accurate) an interesting education.

I enjoyed the work and the historic setting. A very complex but rich mystery though I conceded it can be a bit confusing and you have to keep track of the characters and events. I definitely will seek out his other work

A very well written and hugely informative tale. A very intelligent writer that makes you catch your breath sometimes. Spiritually moving too.

On time; as described. Thanks.

Slap in the face to see how history sadly repeats itself, beautifully narrated. Due to my lack of knowledge on many Hebrews traditions sometimes it sounded too complex and distant, but the plot has always a linear thought. Fascinating atmosphere around Lisbon and its narrow alleys

A great insight into the Jews lives in Europe during this period. Since time immomorial these people have suffered in this way.

É de se ler de uma só vez. Embora uma história ambientada no século 15, sua essência é bem atual.