Last Impressions
Last Impressions by Joseph Kertes, published by National Geographic Books on March 3, 2020, is a poignant exploration of family dynamics set against the backdrop of historical events. This 320-page novel delves into the life of Zoltan Beck, a father grappling with his impending death while trying to shield his sons, Ben and Frank, from the painful truths of their family’s past. As Zoltan confronts his own mortality, he uncovers a secret from his experiences during World War II that has the potential to either unite or fracture his family.
Readers will find a narrative that intertwines themes of Jewish heritage, family life, and the lasting impacts of war. The story unfolds in both mid-20th century Hungary and contemporary Toronto, highlighting the complexities of lost love and the quest for connection in the face of tragedy. Kertes presents a cast of extraordinary characters, each navigating their own struggles as they attempt to bridge the emotional gaps that time and circumstance have created. This edition invites readers to reflect on the bonds of family and the secrets that shape their lives.
Official synopsis Publisher
Shortlisted for the 2021 Leacock Medal for Humour
Longlisted for the 2020 Toronto Book Awards
How can you say goodbye forever when you’ve left an important secret unspoken?
“I’ll tell you what I’m going to do,” Zoltan said. “When I die, I’ll leave my luck to you.”
Zoltan Beck is dying. His devoted but long-suffering sons, Ben and Frank, are trying to prepare themselves and their families for Zoltan’s eventual departure…but they can’t quite bring themselves to believe that the end is really at hand, and neither can Zoltan himself. The head of a family marked by war and tragedy for decades, he “can’t stand to be in a room with a miserable person” and has done his best to keep the pain of his refugee past from his beloved children. But as he faces the end of his life, he discovers a heartbreaking secret from the War that will ultimately bring the family together–or irrevocably disrupt it. Set in both mid-20th century Hungary and contemporary Toronto, this is a deeply moving novel that revels in the energy of its extraordinary characters. It is the story of lost love and newfound connections, of a father and his sons desperately reaching out to bridge an ever-widening gap…even as their time together ebbs away.
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