Masada the Last Fortress [Paperback]

Gloria Miklowitz (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: EERDMANS, WILLIAM B. PUBLISHIN (1998)
• ASIN: B000SF0WGO
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)

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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