Masada: The Last Fortress [Turtleback]

Gloria D. Miklowitz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2002

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--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 73 C.E., Simon ben Eleazar, 17-year-old son of the leader of a group of Jewish refugees inside the fortress Masada, sits with his friends, John and Deborah, contemplating his future. Will he marry Deborah and follow his dream of becoming a doctor? After three years of living in the seclusion of Masada, Simon almost believes his dreams might come true. But he and his friends have not forgotten the horror of the Roman backlash in Jerusalem and the deaths of their family and friends. Soon, the Romans descend upon them with an army garrison numbering over 20,000 soldiers, Jewish slaves and mercenaries to take Masada from the 1000 Jews occupying it. Although the Jews devise ingenious defense plans to hold off the invaders, after seven months the Romans break into the fortress and discover that Simon and the others have all committed suicide. In Miklowitz's (Camouflage) novel, readers will glimpse Simon's struggles and joys and the fall of Masada as he records the daily events of the last year of his life. Simon lives his final days with hope and trust in the faithfulness of God, and readers may well be inspired by his example to live their own lives with purpose in the face of all obstacles. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up-The siege of Masada in 72 C.E. is related through the first-person narrations of Simon, the 19-year-old son of Jewish leader Eleazar; and Flavius Silva, Commander in Chief of the Roman Tenth Legion. Through the young man's viewpoint, readers experience the full extent of life at the time, ranging from Simon's unrequited love for the girlfriend of his friend John, to training to become a doctor, and finally to the last hours at Masada. Flavius Silva's account details the life in the Roman camp complete with Jewish slave labor that ironically erects the apparatus that breaks through the protective wall of Masada. Flavius details his rivalry with Marius, the bloodthirsty second in command; dealing with Jewish captives; and finally the hollow conquest. The author fails to establish distinct voices for each person, resulting in shallow characterizations awash in a flood of historical detail and a lack of immediacy. However, readers are given the most historically accurate and explicit representation of the event than is found in any other juvenile book on the market.
Malka Keck, The Temple Tifereth Israel, Beachwood, OH
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Turtleback: 188 pages
• Publisher: Demco Media (December 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0606260269
• ISBN-13: 978-0606260268
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,248,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling story of the last Jewish stronghold of Judea, January 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Masada: The Last Fortress (Hardcover)

Gloria Miklowitz has written an interesting work of historical fiction, that will leave young readers awed at the Zealots courage, and disgusted with the Roman resolve to conquer all. The author uses several devices to keep young adults both male and female reading including the friendship/conflict between the young narrator and John, the rising military leader for the Jews and their struggles in loving the same young woman. Alternating voices of the young Jewish narrator and the commander of Roman forces are easily distinguished and insightful. Adults and young adults will have plenty to discuss and think about. Not recommended for ages ten and under, for the mass suicide at the end would be both frightening and difficult for younger children to comprehend.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner by Miklowitz, April 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Masada: The Last Fortress (Paperback)

Though I wouldn't recommend this book for younger audiences because of the violence and references to camp harlots, it was a compelling drama. Besides the political and religious aspects of the story, there is the underlying love story of unrequited love between Simon and Deborah, who is pledged to his best friend, John. It is the story of courage and hope despite overwhelming odds. By writing from the Roman general's point of view also, we get a look at his insights into the situation as well as political greed, corruption, honor, and cruelty. The themes in this novel are universal.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating historical novel told from Roman & Jewish viewpt, December 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Masada: The Last Fortress (Hardcover)

This book held my interest from the first pages. It's told from the Roman commander's viewpoint and the son of the Jewish leader who wants to be a physican and succeeds just at the time when he must kill those he loves. The last chapters had me in tears. It really brings alive the people and problems of the period. Imagine the Romans, surrounding the fortress, having to haul in water and supplies for months in the desert heat, and the Jews - trying to stop the building of the ramp which would let the Romans use their battering ram to break into their fortress. Don't have to be Jewish to find the book fascinating