Jacob the Liar by Jurek Becker
Set during the Holocaust in a Jewish ghetto in Poland, the novel revolves around a man named Jacob who fabricates the news of the Russian Army's advancement to uplift the spirits of his fellow prisoners. However, as his lies gain traction, they become a beacon of hope for the desperate people in the ghetto, leading to unforeseen consequences. The book explores themes of hope, despair, and the power of words, ultimately questioning the morality of lying for a greater good.
The 1592nd greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1969
- Nationality
- German
- Type
- Fiction
- Pages
- 250-350
- Words
- Unknown
- Original Language
- German
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This book is on the following lists:
- 85th on 100 Best Novels, in Translation, Since 1900 (CounterPunch)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)