2014 Finalist, Nat'l Jewish Book Award, Outstanding Debut Fiction. 2015 Winner, Great Midwest Book Fest When the author's "Zayde" handed him old family journals, he begged him to tell the stories hidden within them. By deciphering the codes, he uncovered the tales of heroic Jewish men and women and their fight against injustice in the early 19th century. In this award-winning novel, Judah Halevi Hassan tries to be both a Jew and a doctor. His dreams have already led him away from his family. Then tragedy strikes, forcing Judah Halevi to choose a new path. Should he join those who fight back with violence as a follower of the man called "The Angel of Death"? Or should he work for the Baron von Tedesco who conducts "secret missions" for the Kaiser to earn concessions for his people? Want a copy of the genealogy of the Benzion, Nieto and Tedesco clans Just complete the form below. |
The twins, Elizabeth and Ariel, wish to celebrate their 18th birthdays with all their aristocratic London friends. Their older brother warns them that, behind society's charming facade, danger lurks, ready to strike. They scoff at his chiding until a loyal retainer is violently attacked and their home is invaded. They flee the country under the care of the mysterious Judah Halevi and his aide, Robert Parker. The journey takes them into the often-harsh world of ordinary people— sailors,smugglers, whores, spies, and the working poor—all fighting in their own way against oppression.
Ezekiel Nieto Benzion's books on Goodreads
Demons in Good Intentions (The Judah Halevi Journals Book 4)
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2015 National Indie Excellence Book Awards Finalist, LGBT Fiction
Each night at the male brothel called "The Riding Club,""Miss Nancy" thrills wealthy and powerful men of Vienna.Through daring satirical songs, the beautiful queen expresses all the rage of the actor, Antonio Nance. Mysterious men offer to help him challenge those who chased him out of Tuscany, stealing his name and his inheritance. But there is a price for their aid which will not be revealed until the payment is due. Does Nance dare trust the men who follow "The Angel of Death"? Does The Angel dare trust a man who lives a life of sin and abomination? Can these men, so different in so many ways, join together in a fight against their mutual oppressors? The Newest Tale! A mother and child in danger. A man shunned by the world. A tear-stained letter from home. All set off desperate searches to find safety. In early 19th century Bohemia, From the award-winning author of "You Shall Know Our Names," comes another tale of struggles to find a path to personal peace and safety in a world that will not accept differences among people |
The redhead, known as "Cat," is the reigning star of the hidden gay society of Vienna in 1804. His talent is his ability to be whatever his customer wants, a talent that arises from the empty space within him. Sold into sex slavery as a young boy, Cat does not know who he really is. He dreams of being reunited with his family and finally being loved for himself. Judah Halevi promises to find Cat's family, but only if the young man agrees to be the bait in a dangerous plot. After he agrees, the young man's dreams turn to dust and Judah is forced to face the demons unleashed by his own best intentions. In 1805, a small Bohemian Jewish community is making plans for the Purim festival. The children are giddy with excitement about the costumes, parades and silly contests that mark the joyous holiday.
But Ezekiel Benzion, who leads the community's defenders, cannot share in the holiday's festivities. He must remain vigilant, waiting for signs of the vicious libel that often emerges with the spring and brings with it mob violence against his people. Suddenly his worst fears are realized. A dead infant is discovered. Whose baby is it? How did it die? Who is to blame? Whispers begin, hinting at suspicions that build towards a call for revenge. Ezekiel, Judah Halevi and the other defenders have only hours to learn the truth and avert the violence caused by ancient hatreds. Just a day to save their community and most especially their children. |
" The Angel of Death" brings terror and retribution to those who harm the Jews of Bohemia. But who is the man behind the legend? Is he ever free of his own demons who prod him to risk everything he cherishes to fight for justice in an unjust world? BOOK GUIDES
written just for you Are you a book club member? Would you like a book guide to any of the Tales from the Judah Halevi Journals, customized to fit the readers in your group. Answer a few questions and a book guide will be on its way. |
Dusty journals. An old Jewish cemetery. A life's journey begins.
By decoding the 200-year-old journals of Doctor Judah Halevi, Ezekiel Nieto Benzion started his journey of finding and telling his family's stories. Each tale stands on its own. Together, they represent a gallery of unforgettable, but fully human, characters fighting for justice in the Europe of the early 19th century.