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Jacob the Liar

By: Jurek Becker, Leila Vennewitz - translator
Narrated by: Bryan Kennedy
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Publisher's summary

One of the most remarkable novels of the Holocaust ever written, Jakob the Liar is a tale of everyday heroism and the extraordinary power of illusion. Set in an unnamed German-occupied ghetto, the story centers on an unlikely hero, Jakob Heym, who accidentally overhears news of vital importance: The Russians are advancing on a city 300 miles away. As Jakob's tidings rekindle hope and the promise of liberation, he feels compelled to elaborate. Forming a protective bond with a young orphan girl, Jakob becomes caught in his own web of optimistic lies.

Awarded Germany's prestigious Heinrich Mann Prize for fiction and in a new translation by Leila Vennewitz, Jakob the Liar is a masterpiece of Kafkaesque comedy which unfolds with the impact of a timeless folk legend.

©2012 Aufbau Verlag. Translation copyright 2012 by Jurek Becker and Leila Vennewitz (P)2012 Audible, Inc.
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Editorial reviews

Also a movie starring Robin Williams, this iconic Holocaust account is both touching and devastating. In an attempt to spread hope through his Jewish ghetto, Jacob tells a white lie that turns out to be a struggle to maintain. Audio performer Brian Kennedy's performance is incomparable. He modulates his voice with expertise such that we hang on every line. His pacing is so deliberate that not one syllable is lost. Kennedy's tone is warm and loving. Jacob the Liar is already a favorite book and movie to many; this audiobook brings a while new beauty to this classic story.

What listeners say about Jacob the Liar

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Jacob the Liar

Good read enjoyed the endings snd variations were good addition thank you very much for

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When hope is all you have.

I understand Jacobs reason for lying about the radio. Hope. Those people needed hope... even though it was hopeless. 😢

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A lie, even a well intended one leads to trouble.

In the ghetto during World War II Jacob hears that the Russian army is close. In an attempt to make people believe the truth, he lies about how he heard it, which leads to unforseen complications.

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Hard to listen to.

I find this book very hard to listen to. If you get distracted it’s very confusing! The style it’s written in just makes it hard for me to follow the story. I suggest if you’re going to listen to this book do it when you will be uninterrupted.

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