The Last Jew

In 1492, Spain is held in a firm grip by the Inquisition. Per decree, an announcement is made that all Jews have to leave the country, leading to a large exodus. Fifteen-year-old Yonah is left on his own after his brother and father are killed. Instead of converting to Christianity or fleeing, he decides to stand firm by his faith and fight for himself.

Three years later, Yonah is keen to settle somewhere. In Granada, he finally meets people of his own faith again – the family of the silk merchant Saadi, who still practise Judaism in secrecy. However, Yonah's love for Ines, the young daughter of the family, remains unfulfilled.

Yonah moves on to Gibraltar, where he starts an apprenticeship with Fierro, an armourer. Fierro has to flee from the Inquisition himself and asks his young apprentice to accompany him on his journey to the North. When they finally arrive in Saragossa, meeting Nuno seals Yonah's fate. He immediately senses that medicine is his true calling.

The Last Jew by Noah Gordon vividly portrays Yonah's journey of resilience and self-discovery during a turbulent historical period.