Badenheim 1939

by Aharon Appelfeld
Badenheim 1939 cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 7979
  • Added: 2025-12-19
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • Publisher: David R. Godine Publisher
  • Published: 1980-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Badenheim 1939 is a novella that delves into the lives of the residents of a Jewish resort town in Poland as they prepare for their annual festival in the summer of 1939. The story is a profound exploration of the human capacity for self-deception and the denial of impending doom. The residents, oblivious to the growing Nazi threat, continue with their daily lives, focusing on the festival preparations and personal dramas. The novella is a powerful commentary on the nature of evil and the banality of life in the face of catastrophe. /n/n The book is notable for its revised translation by Betsy Rosenberg, which is of great interest to scholars and students of Hebrew fiction. It offers a unique perspective on the historical events leading up to World War II, providing a literary lens through which to examine the complexities of human behavior and the societal dynamics of the time.

Reviews
Reading Matters Blog · 2024-10-05
intriguing 4.00

The book's strength lies in its subtle approach to a historical event, avoiding specifics while still conveying a profound message. The author's skillful writing makes the narrative both intriguing and thought-provoking.

Reading Matters Blog praises Badenheim 1939 for its subtle and skillful approach to depicting a historical event without delving into specifics. The reviewer finds this approach intriguing, as it allows the reader to draw their own conclusions and reflect on the broader implications. They also highlight the author's ability to create a thought-provoking narrative that stays with the reader long after finishing the book. The blog emphasizes the book's unique perspective and the author's mastery of storytelling.

Quick quotes

    The most intriguing aspect of Badenheim 1939 is how the author writes about a historical event without going into specifics or putting anything.

    A somewhat dark and provocative allegory for the Holocaust.

    A window into pre-war Jewish Europe.

The Guardian · 2024-08-12
haunting 4.50

The novel is a powerful analogy of the Holocaust's crushing effect, and Appelfeld's writing is both haunting and effective. The story's detachment adds to its eerie impact.

The Guardian's review highlights how Badenheim 1939 serves as a chilling analogy for the Holocaust, capturing its devastating impact with a haunting and detached narrative. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to convey the horror of the event without being overly graphic, making it a deeply unsettling yet powerful read. They also note that Appelfeld's personal experiences lend an authenticity and depth to the story, making it a standout work in Holocaust literature.

Quick quotes

    A horribly effective analogy of the crushing effect of the Holocaust.

    A haunting, strangely detached novella, with a sense of being divorced from reality.

    One of the most intriguing and eerie books ever written about the Holocaust.

Maphead's Book Blog · 2014-04-22
provocative 4.20

The book is seen as a dark and provocative allegory for the Holocaust, offering a unique window into pre-war Jewish Europe. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to provoke thought and reflection.

Maphead's Book Blog describes Badenheim 1939 as a dark and provocative allegory for the Holocaust, highlighting its ability to offer a unique perspective on pre-war Jewish Europe. The reviewer finds the book's narrative both thought-provoking and reflective, appreciating the way it challenges the reader to consider the broader historical context. They also note that the book's allegorical nature adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a compelling read. The blog emphasizes the book's ability to evoke a sense of unease and reflection, making it a memorable and impactful work.

Quick quotes

    A somewhat dark and provocative allegory for the Holocaust.

    A window into pre-war Jewish Europe.

    Gripping and unforgettable, this is one of most intriguing and eerie books ever written about the Holocaust.

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