Belonging cover art

Belonging

The Story of the Jews: When Words Fail (1492 - 1900)

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Belonging

By: Simon Schama
Narrated by: Saul Reichlin
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About this listen

Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize.

Belonging is a magnificent cultural history abundantly alive with energy, character and colour. It spans centuries and continents; from the Jews' expulsion from Spain in 1492, it navigates miracles and massacres, wandering, discrimination, harmony and tolerance, to the brink of the 20th century and, it seems, a point of profound hope.

It tells the stories not just of rabbis and philosophers but of a poetess in the ghetto of Venice; a boxer in Georgian England; a general in Ming China; and an opera composer in 19th-century Germany. The story unfolds in Kerala and Mantua, the starlit hills of Galilee, the rivers of Colombia, the kitchens of Istanbul, the taverns of Ukraine and the mining camps of California. It sails in caravels, rides the stage coaches and the railways, trudges the dawn streets of London and hobbles along with the remnant of Napoleon's ruined army.

Through Schama's passionate telling of this second chronicle in an epic tale, a history emerges of the Jewish people that feels it is the story of everyone, of humanity.

©2017 Simon Schama (P)2017 Audible, Ltd 21st Century Judaism Modern Middle Ages Middle East Imperialism England
All stars
Most relevant
Excellent the accurate and authentic history of the Hebrews non-news with an open mind should read or at least listen to Sharma of his heart spoken words

The story everyone must read

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A beautifully crafted and profoundly insightful book, it employs evocative language and masterfully woven narratives to illuminate the intricacies of Jewish history, situating its themes within the harrowing context of a deeply traumatic historical epoch. The work not only preserves the cultural and historical memory of a marginalized community but also engages readers in a critical reflection on resilience, identity, and the enduring legacy of collective suffering.

Beautiful Stories of Survival

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.