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The Books of Jacob

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Olga Tokarczuk

The Books of Jacob

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

992

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Poland • 18th Century

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk follows the journey of Jacob Frank, a Polish Jewish man who claimed to be the Messiah in the 1800s, and his followers as they navigate religious conversions, persecution, and the complexities of faith across Eastern Europe and the Ottoman Empire. Topics include sexual violence, violence, and religious persecution.

Mysterious

Informative

Contemplative

Fantastical

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

9,924 ratings

75%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk impresses with its ambitious scope, blending historical fiction and philosophical musings. Praised for its intricate narrative and richly crafted characters, it can, however, challenge readers with its dense, sprawling structure. Fans of profound, immersive literature will find it rewarding, though it may daunt those seeking a lighter read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Books of Jacob?

The ideal reader of The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk is an avid explorer of intricate narratives, historical contexts, and philosophical themes. Fans of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose and Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall will find this novel's rich tapestry and profound depth particularly captivating.

4.2

9,924 ratings

75%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Nahman

A devoted follower of Jacob who writes scraps and memories in an attempt to create a hagiography of Jacob, despite disobeying Jacob's directives. His writings are interspersed throughout the narrative and are marked by his mix of faith and self-interest.

The enigmatic central figure around whom the story revolves, believed by some to be the Messiah, but his true intentions and beliefs remain obscured. He benefits materially from his followers while his sincerity is questioned by others.

An aristocratic storyteller who has an affinity for exaggerated tales and a complex relationship with the truth. He is drawn to Jacob due to their similar tendencies but becomes disillusioned by Jacob's possible self-deception.

An ancient woman related to Jacob who performs unnoticed miracles and observes the world from an outside perspective. Her long-lasting existence and transformation into crystal symbolize hidden mysticism, though she cannot intervene in worldly events.

Book Details
Pages

992

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Poland • 18th Century

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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