Set in Poland in 1939, this novel looks at the impact of the Holocaust on the individual. The author was awarded the 1991 Irish Times-Aer Lingus Prize for fiction for this novel.
Louis Begley Books
Louis Begley is an American novelist whose work frequently delves into themes of identity, memory, and survival. His early experiences, including surviving the Holocaust, profoundly shaped his worldview and infused his writing with a deep exploration of how past trauma informs the present. Begley's prose is marked by its precision and keen psychological insight, capturing characters navigating complex realities. His novels invite readers to contemplate human resilience and the intricate nature of the self.







"Begley writes with a contemplative wisdom that permeates his work....[He] has captured some of the wispy melancholy of midcentury fiction, and this feat in itself is mellifluous to both ear and spirit."THE BOSTON GLOBEA man without a country or family, a Holocaust survivor, Ben long ago left the wreckage of Europe and recreated himself as a brilliant financier. He rejects the comforts of love and is shocked to discover Veronique--beautiful, unwisely married, and all that Ben suddenly knows he has always needed. In their stolen hours and weekends, their deep commitment to one another fills their lives as nothing ever has. But the question remains: Can Ben finally take what he has always denied himself...?From the author of WARTIME LIES.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Schmidt Delivered
- 291 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Retired lawyer Albert Schmidt enjoys life in the Hamptons with his young new wife Carrie while his daughter's marriage founders.
Wartime Lies. Lügen in Zeiten des Krieges, englische Ausgabe
- 240 pages
- 9 hours of reading
As the world slips into the throes of war in 1939, young Maciek's once closeted existence outside Warsaw is no more. When Warsaw falls, Maciek escapes with his aunt Tania. Together they endure the war, running, hiding, changing their names, forging documents to secure their temporary lives — as the insistent drum of the Nazi march moves ever closer to them and to their secret wartime lies.
Schmidt Steps Back
- 384 pages
- 14 hours of reading
Struggling to recover from Carrie the waitress's rejection and his daughter's marriage to a Jewish man, lawyer Albert Schmidt hopes for renewal when both Carrie and his daughter become pregnant and when he falls for the beautiful French widow of a former partner. By the author of Schmidt Delivered.
A university professor's portrait of a friend who became a homosexual after divorcing his wife. The professor is straight, but the portrait is written with sympathy. A study in friendship
Shipwreck
- 255 pages
- 9 hours of reading
The narrative explores the exhilarating yet destructive power of passion through the character of John North, a writer who defies conventions to follow his emotions relentlessly. His journey highlights the complexities and consequences of pursuing one's desires, ultimately leading to profound revelations about love and ambition.
Kill and Be Killed
- 269 pages
- 10 hours of reading
"Master stylist Begley continues the story of Jack Dana, the former Marine Corps officer turned novelist whose quest to avenge his murdered uncle takes a new, more dangerous turn. The man who brutally murdered Uncle Harry is dead. In an effort to recover from the confrontation and collect himself, Jack takes refuge on Torcello, a small island in the Venetian lagoon, to return to his writing career. Even more urgently, he wants to win back Kerry, the beautiful lawyer who rejected him after the bloody episode with Harry's assassin. But events beyond Jack's control intervene: Kerry loses her life in circumstances that contradict everything Jack thinks he knew about her. Soon death begins to stalk Jack himself. It is impossible not to recognize in its drumbeat the machinations of Abner Brown, the man who orchestrated Harry's demise. Jack fights back, driven by cold rage and determination to complete his revenge. At his side is Kerry's best friend, the glamorous and enigmatic Heidi Krohn. Their quest will force Jack to plumb the abyss of depravity into which Kerry had sunk and face one of his fellow Marines who has embarked on a violent feud of his own. Reprising memorable characters from Killer, Come Hither and introducing dangerous new ones, Begley concludes Jack's harrowing vendetta with one last shocking twist"--
Killer's Choice
- 288 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Marine-turned-novelist Jack Dana returns for one final adventure in this chilling conclusion to Louis Begley's epic saga. "Fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher should enjoy Jack Dana's adventures."--Publishers Weekly With the death of his nemesis, corrupt business mogul Abner Brown, retired Marine infantry officer Jack Dana can finally return to his peaceful career as a novelist. And after falling hard for Heidi Krohn, the glamorous high-powered lawyer who helped avenge his best friend's death, Jack dreams of starting a family of his own. But dark forces intervene to upend Jack's comfortable new life when two of his uncle Harry's closest friends are brutally murdered in their own home. Quickly it becomes clear that these murders are a message, sent by a shadowy criminal Jack comes to call "the Monster." His warning to Jack: a fate even more cruel awaits you. Indeed, despite the best-laid precautions, there seems to be no escape when Heidi and her nephew are kidnapped. With their lives in the balance, Jack must take the only step honor will allow and face the Monster alone, whatever the consequences. Look for all of Louis Begley's gripping Jack Dana thrillers: KILLER, COME HITHER - KILL AND BE KILLED - KILLER'S CHOICE
At Harvard in the early 1950s, three mismatched freshmen are thrown together as roommates--Sam, an aristocratic Yankee; Archie, an affable Army brat; and Henry, a Polish refugee--in the story of their college years and their unique friendship.

