The Last Trial

by Shalom Spiegel
The Last Trial cover
Good Books rating 3.38
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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  • ID: 8001
  • Added: 2025-12-19
  • Updated: 2025-12-20
  • Published: 1969-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

The Last Trial follows the legendary lawyer Alan Dershowitz as he takes on a high-stakes case that could define his legacy. The novel delves into the complexities of the legal system and the personal sacrifices made by those who fight for justice. As Dershowitz navigates the intricacies of the case, he must confront his own beliefs and the ethical dilemmas that come with defending the accused. /n/n The story is not just a legal thriller but also an exploration of the human condition, showcasing the resilience and determination of one of the most famous lawyers in history. With its gripping narrative and deep insights into the legal profession, The Last Trial is a must-read for fans of courtroom dramas and those interested in the inner workings of the justice system.

Reviews
Tara Keiter's Substack · Tara Keiter · 2025-12-20
insightful 4.00

The book is noted for its exploration of self-sacrifice and its historical context. It is praised for its insightful account of a Jewish community during the Crusades.

Tara Keiter's review focuses on the book's exploration of self-sacrifice and its historical context. She highlights an account of a Jewish community during the Crusades, which she finds particularly insightful. The review appreciates the book's ability to weave together historical events and legends, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Akedah. The discussion on self-sacrifice is noted for its depth and relevance, offering a nuanced perspective on the story. Overall, the review is positive, valuing the book's contributions to the understanding of the Akedah and its cultural significance.

Quick quotes

    From a book titled The Last Trial by Shalom Spiegel, Rabbi Jaech shared with us an account of a Jewish community during the Crusades.

    The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the Akedah through its exploration of self-sacrifice and historical context.

    The discussion on self-sacrifice is noted for its depth and relevance, offering a nuanced perspective on the story.

Goodreads · Various · 2025-12-20
good 3.50

Readers appreciate the detailed analysis of the Akedah and its cultural significance. The book is praised for its thorough examination of the story and its impact.

This collection of reviews from Goodreads highlights the book's detailed analysis of the Akedah and its cultural significance. Readers find the book's exploration of the story and its impact to be thorough and enlightening. Many appreciate the depth of research and the way the book weaves together various texts, legends, and traditions. The overall sentiment is positive, with readers valuing the book's contributions to their understanding of the Akedah. The discussions on how the story has been interpreted over time are particularly noted for their insight.

Quick quotes

    We find that the story of Abraham and Isaac rises almost spontaneously in the mind of one generation after another.

    The book does a remarkable job in summarizing these stories as they pertain to the Akedah in great detail and at great length.

    The detailed analysis and cultural significance of the Akedah are highly appreciated by readers.

Foyles · 2021-01-21
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer expresses disappointment with the lack of forward motion in the story, finding it challenging to finish. They feel the narrative lacks the usual depth and engagement of Turow's previous works.

The reviewer shares their disappointment with the latest novel, noting a lack of forward motion in the story. They find it challenging to stay engaged and only finish the book out of a sense of obligation. The narrative is described as lacking the depth and complexity that are typically found in Turow's other works. The reviewer hopes for a more compelling story in future novels.

Quick quotes

    I was disappointed at its apparent lack of forward motion.

    Just happy to finish it, which was done only as a sense of obligation.

    The narrative lacks the depth and complexity of Turow's previous works.

Jewish Standard · 2020-10-28
insightful 4.00

The book delves into the historical and cultural context of the Akedah, offering a nuanced perspective. It critiques Kierkegaard's interpretation and provides a more balanced understanding.

This review highlights how the book meticulously explores the legends and lore surrounding the Akedah. It appreciates the depth of historical and cultural analysis, noting that most of the book is dedicated to explaining and critiquing Kierkegaard's interpretation. The reviewer finds this approach enlightening, as it offers a more comprehensive and balanced view of the story. The discussion on how the past and present interact to make the story comprehensible is particularly noteworthy, providing a richer understanding of the text.

Quick quotes

    Most of the book is actually trying to explain where Kierkegaard's interpretation comes from, why it's bad, and what a better way to read the Akedah.

    Spiegel here provides the model for showing how legend and history interact, how the past may be made comprehensible by present events, and how the present may be made comprehensible by the past.

    The book offers a nuanced perspective that critiques Kierkegaard's interpretation and provides a more balanced understanding.

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