Masada: The Last Fortress

In this work of historical fiction, a 17-year-old Jewish medical apprentice helps victims of war while struggling with a forbidden love

In the year 72 C.E., after a four-year war between Rome and Judea, only one fortress remains to be taken: Masada, high above the Dead Sea in what is now Israel. Two years later, the commander of the famous Roman Tenth Legion, Flavius Silva, marches toward Masada to capture or kill the 960 Jewish zealots who hold it.

In this eloquent and powerful novel, we meet 17-year-old Simon ben Eleazar, son of the Jewish leader of Masada. Apprenticed to Masada's only physician, Simon learns to help victims of the enemy's onslaught. He also struggles with his love for Deborah, the intended of his best friend, and with a painful decision he must ultimately make.

A Junior Library Guild selection.

Association of Jewish Libraries, Notable Books for Older Readers
Bank Street College, Best Children's Books of the Year
Booklist, Top Ten Religious Books for Youth
California Readers, California Collections - High School
New York Public Library, Books for the Teen Age List
Sugarman Family Award for Jewish Children's Literature