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Masada: The Last Fortress
From the Back Cover:
"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. In this eloquent historical novel we meet 17-year-old Simon ben Eleazar, son of the Jewish leader of the Zealots, who records the Roman legion's relentless siege and the moving story of the Jews' last stand on Masada."
"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. In this eloquent historical novel we meet 17-year-old Simon ben Eleazar, son of the Jewish leader of the Zealots, who records the Roman legion's relentless siege and the moving story of the Jews' last stand on Masada."
198 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
18 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Gloria D. Miklowitz
67 books16 followersWith a relentless concern about contemporary issues and problems that affect teenagers, Gloria D. Miklowitz (USA, b. 1927) examined such topics as rape, suicide, teen marriage, divorce, AIDS, sexual abuse, and racial prejudice in her novels. She helped teen readers look at underground militias, vigilantism, religious cults, steroid use among high school athletes, and the effects of nuclear war. She enabled readers to view the famous battle of Masada from both sides. She also wrote nonfiction on a variety of subjects, from earthquakes and raccoons to President Harry Truman, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., and tennis star Tracy Austin.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 7, 2022
If you're looking for a good story on the events at Masada, I'd suggest turning to this one. Each chapter switches back and forth from a Jewish teenage boy in Masada and a Roman Soldier attacking the fortress. I liked the unique view of seeing from both sides.
Ages: 14+
Cleanliness: there is definitely some war scenes and a torture scene, that while not too descriptive, could leave an impression on ones too young for it. Obviously suicide would be a topic to discuss and whether there is ever a "right" time to do it. There is a romantic triangle in the book. A teenage boy and girl kiss, and the girl regrets it because she is betrothed to another.
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Ages: 14+
Cleanliness: there is definitely some war scenes and a torture scene, that while not too descriptive, could leave an impression on ones too young for it. Obviously suicide would be a topic to discuss and whether there is ever a "right" time to do it. There is a romantic triangle in the book. A teenage boy and girl kiss, and the girl regrets it because she is betrothed to another.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
February 26, 2024
I love the setup; you get diaries from one person on each side of the conflict. They do a good job explaining what’s going on so you really don’t need much knowledge of what’s happening before you start. It’s not the greatest book ever but for the age range and length it’s good. 3.6 stars
March 27, 2009
Upon beginnig this book, I was very afraid that it would be as confusing and dull as the other three novels that I have been assigned to read in my global class. But I am very happy that it was not so. This book chronicles the courageous stand of the Jews against the Romans at the fortress of Masada. Not only was it interesting, insightful and fairly interesting to read, I found myself emotionally attatched to the characters which is probably why I found the ending to be so terrible and so beautiful at the same time.Although I'm not sure how I'll do on the exam, I am glad that I read it regardless. Over all I thought that this was a very,very,very good book.
It must be good.... because I read most of it today:)
It must be good.... because I read most of it today:)
October 15, 2020
Onvan : Masada: The Last Fortress - Nevisande : Gloria D. Miklowitz - ISBN : 0802851681 - ISBN13 : 9780802851680 - Dar 198 Safhe - Saal e Chap : 1998
October 1, 2020
Great book about the First Jewish Revolt, focusing on the experiences of Judah Ben Yair, a 17 yo witness to the FALL OF Masada.
Rating: 4 stars
Reading interest level: kinda boring and then interesting in some ways
Warning: graphic details about torture, mass suicide, battle casualties, and a premarital sexual encounter
Read: 9/22-10/1/20
Recommend : for older readers ages 18+ but please skip chapter 11
Rating: 4 stars
Reading interest level: kinda boring and then interesting in some ways
Warning: graphic details about torture, mass suicide, battle casualties, and a premarital sexual encounter
Read: 9/22-10/1/20
Recommend : for older readers ages 18+ but please skip chapter 11
May 17, 2013
SOMEONE MUST SURVIVE TO TELL THE TRUTH!
MASADA! THE very name resonates with unbowed pride and desire for religious and political freedom--in an era when Roma mastered the world with ruthless might. Masada---the site where a thousand Zealots chose mass suicide rather than endure slavery and humiliation as prisoners of the Tenth Legion. The rocky fortress in the Judean wilderness--once the glorious refuge of King Herod--stood massively aloof, complete with a hanging palace, cisterns for rain water, and walled ramparts. Masada--a thorn in Rome's side, where the last remnants of Jewish resistance held out for almost 7 years.
At the foot of this forbidding plateau General Flavius Silva planned his triumphal entry into the last stronghold of Middle Eastern resistance, albeit subtly undermined by his conniving subordinate, Marius. Yet when Silva finally obtained his objective and marched through the last of the defensive wallw, he was not destined to savor the spectacle of Jews in chains paraded through Rome to reflect his military glory. He was met only by a handful of survivors: an old woman, a middle-aged woman and a few children. Nothing was left to loot and only a little food--to prove that the people had not succumbed to starvation.
By alternating chapters in first person narratives between the Jewish viewpoint (indicated by a sketch of a menorah) and that of the Roman commander (indicated by the Roman mounted Eagle) the author presents sympathetic accounts of both sides--an impressive literary feat. Although the outcome of the unequal siege is obvious, readers gain insight into the mentality of the youthful Jewish protagonist, Simon, and the middle-aged general--each with their respective personal goals. Simon comes of age during the last 7 months of his life, as he struggles with his new career, jealousy towards a former best friend, forbidden desire for Deborah, and gradual admiration for Salome. Were their fictionalized internal battles in vain?
Today, so many centuries later, what unwritten message does Masada represent for all nations; what does it proclaim about an age when it was the victors who wrote the history books? What great sacrifice was made so that the truth about Jewish resistance might be known down through the ages? More than mere futile resisitance: the pride of a population dedicated to the Living God!
(August 7, 2010. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
MASADA! THE very name resonates with unbowed pride and desire for religious and political freedom--in an era when Roma mastered the world with ruthless might. Masada---the site where a thousand Zealots chose mass suicide rather than endure slavery and humiliation as prisoners of the Tenth Legion. The rocky fortress in the Judean wilderness--once the glorious refuge of King Herod--stood massively aloof, complete with a hanging palace, cisterns for rain water, and walled ramparts. Masada--a thorn in Rome's side, where the last remnants of Jewish resistance held out for almost 7 years.
At the foot of this forbidding plateau General Flavius Silva planned his triumphal entry into the last stronghold of Middle Eastern resistance, albeit subtly undermined by his conniving subordinate, Marius. Yet when Silva finally obtained his objective and marched through the last of the defensive wallw, he was not destined to savor the spectacle of Jews in chains paraded through Rome to reflect his military glory. He was met only by a handful of survivors: an old woman, a middle-aged woman and a few children. Nothing was left to loot and only a little food--to prove that the people had not succumbed to starvation.
By alternating chapters in first person narratives between the Jewish viewpoint (indicated by a sketch of a menorah) and that of the Roman commander (indicated by the Roman mounted Eagle) the author presents sympathetic accounts of both sides--an impressive literary feat. Although the outcome of the unequal siege is obvious, readers gain insight into the mentality of the youthful Jewish protagonist, Simon, and the middle-aged general--each with their respective personal goals. Simon comes of age during the last 7 months of his life, as he struggles with his new career, jealousy towards a former best friend, forbidden desire for Deborah, and gradual admiration for Salome. Were their fictionalized internal battles in vain?
Today, so many centuries later, what unwritten message does Masada represent for all nations; what does it proclaim about an age when it was the victors who wrote the history books? What great sacrifice was made so that the truth about Jewish resistance might be known down through the ages? More than mere futile resisitance: the pride of a population dedicated to the Living God!
(August 7, 2010. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
April 4, 2009
It was alright. Had a Global Perspectives test on it, so it was a forced read, and it was probably the worst book we've read yet this year. It was a very short & quick read, but it is also very rushed in my opinion. Not highly recommended, but it was decent.
June 11, 2011
Seen the ruins of Masada. Wanted to get a better understanding of the history of the time. After reading the book, I now appreciate the history of Masada and why the Jews wanted to avoid being captured by the Romans.
Read
December 18, 2012This book was a quick read. The one thing I can say about it is that it is incredibly sad but inspiring in a way as well. It made some tears come more than once. I wouldn't say I recommend it nor do I not recommend it. Good read though.
August 19, 2014
A fun, quick read that catches most of the Masada narrative, albeit from a heavily pro-Jewish perspective. (Seriously, Jews=Good/Romans=Bad is a massive oversimplification.) This works especially well as a young adult book, and will definitely remain in our rotation for the kiddo.
April 5, 2011
Horrible ending!!!!!! GAH!!!!
June 18, 2012
Great story...really sad at the end.
August 24, 2013
It was ok - I would have liked a nonfiction book on the topic better.
Read
March 31, 2014Great way to tell the history of what happen at Masada. After visiting Masada this book made Masada so important to me!
February 12, 2016
Decent, but too short and not well-developed enough. Might be a good introduction to the subject for YA readers.
May 18, 2016
I like books that cause me to envision myself in the life, times & experiences of the lead character & this one did. Great story for ancient historical fiction study - middle school level
October 11, 2009
So far it's kinda sad...
February 25, 2016
The book was okay but I didn't like the setting or the things the characters do
October 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this book.
I've been intrigued by the mystery of what happened at the fortress of Masada for many years, after seeing a film about the siege as a teenager.
The lands of the Jews had been systematically taken by the Romans, with the Israelites either dying, or being enslaved by their conquerors. The fortress of Masada was the last stronghold of Jews, almost one thousand in number, consisting of men, women and children. The had lived in the fortress for a couple of years, but the Roman army eventually camped at the base of the hill where the fortress was. The Jews made plans to try and defeat the Romans, but as the final months drew on, it became clear that, despite their brave words and thoughts, the defenders of the fortress were doomed.
Eleazer ben Ya'ir spoke to his fellow leaders within the community and it was decided that death would be preferable to slavery. Eleazer's wife, another woman and five children hid, and were the only survivors. The rest of the Masada population died at the hands of their leaders, who eventually died themselves.
Whilst this novelisation was aimed at a younger group of readers, it gave me an insight into how both sides viewed the siege of Masada. However, the Romans fared better than the Jews in the fortress, not least because of their greater numbers and battle strategy.
I've been intrigued by the mystery of what happened at the fortress of Masada for many years, after seeing a film about the siege as a teenager.
The lands of the Jews had been systematically taken by the Romans, with the Israelites either dying, or being enslaved by their conquerors. The fortress of Masada was the last stronghold of Jews, almost one thousand in number, consisting of men, women and children. The had lived in the fortress for a couple of years, but the Roman army eventually camped at the base of the hill where the fortress was. The Jews made plans to try and defeat the Romans, but as the final months drew on, it became clear that, despite their brave words and thoughts, the defenders of the fortress were doomed.
Eleazer ben Ya'ir spoke to his fellow leaders within the community and it was decided that death would be preferable to slavery. Eleazer's wife, another woman and five children hid, and were the only survivors. The rest of the Masada population died at the hands of their leaders, who eventually died themselves.
Whilst this novelisation was aimed at a younger group of readers, it gave me an insight into how both sides viewed the siege of Masada. However, the Romans fared better than the Jews in the fortress, not least because of their greater numbers and battle strategy.
November 26, 2023
I've been a Miklowitz fan since reading After the Bomb in junior high school. This one did not disappoint. It tells the tragic story of the last days of the Zealots at Masada ad how they hung on during a Roman siege of their fort for much longer than expected. Their end is pretty well known but I won't spoil it here just in case.
Somewhat surprising to me was a conversation written in the book in which the characters speak about the commandment of "Thou Shall Not Kill". The author has them using the work "kill" instead of the more correct translation "murder." I don't think actual Masada dudes would have discussed it like that since they would have known the correct word. That was my only issue with the book.
Somewhat surprising to me was a conversation written in the book in which the characters speak about the commandment of "Thou Shall Not Kill". The author has them using the work "kill" instead of the more correct translation "murder." I don't think actual Masada dudes would have discussed it like that since they would have known the correct word. That was my only issue with the book.
April 7, 2024
This story is one of those in which you start it already knowing the ending--or at least I thought I knew the ending. I certainly had an idea but the ending is really not what makes this story incredible in the literal sense of the word. The author wrote about the characters that made me care about them and their fate and considering I knew the ending, I resisted. They were alive in the book and their zealotry, defiance, and courage also came across clearly in the decisions they had to make and how they lived until the tragic end. It was not a long read and it made me realize how some people, Jews in this case, have had to be stronger than anything I can imagine in our world of comfort and ease.
July 10, 2020
The story of the Roman siege on the last 970 Jewish Zealots that escaped from Jerusulem to Masada.
September 10, 2023
Masada The Last Fortress
So well written. I felt as if I was there . This should be required reading for high school students.
So well written. I felt as if I was there . This should be required reading for high school students.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews