by
Dominik Poleski
Resilience and empathy are like secret weapons for getting through life’s toughest moments. The Jew: Novel Based on a True Story, set in 1960s Poland, is about Alek Brodski, a young Jewish boy facing loss, prejudice, and the daily struggles of growing up in a world that often feels unfair. It’s a story that feels incredibly relevant, especially as we see so many divisions in the world. Alek’s life reminds us of the importance of human connection and staying hopeful, even when life seems impossible.
The book is set in a small town near the Soviet border during a time when life was tough for almost everyone. Dominik Poleski does a great job of painting this world without overwhelming readers with too much detail. Instead, he focuses on the people—Alek, his hardworking but tired mother, and the complicated characters around them. One of the standout relationships in the book is between Alek and Ela, a classmate who’s struggling with her own problems, especially an abusive father. Their bond feels tender, showing how even a small connection can bring some comfort when everything else seems to fall apart.
Poleski also makes small, personal moments feel meaningful. For example, Alek’s baptism isn’t just a religious ceremony, it’s his attempt to belong somewhere and start fresh. Poleski captures the emotions of moments like these so well that you can’t help but feel for the characters. The details of the town—snow-covered streets, quiet houses, and eerie cemeteries—makes you almost feel the cold and see the flickering candlelight mirroring the sadness and struggles of the people in the story.
I like that Alek isn’t portrayed as perfect. He doubts himself, struggles with guilt, and tries to make sense of everything happening around him. This makes him relatable. His mother is a symbol of quiet strength, while Ela shows strength despite the violence she faces at home. Even the less likable characters, like the drunken Mr. Nowak or the overly strict Father Antoni, feel real because they’re shown as complex, not just one-dimensional villains.
What’s surprising about The Jew is how much it feels connected to issues we see today. The discrimination Alek faces and the harsh conditions in his small town echo the challenges people still deal with, whether it’s prejudice, poverty, or feeling out of place. This makes the book not just a historical story but one that feels modern. It’s a reminder that no matter how hard life gets, empathy and perseverance are what help us move forward.
The Jew:Novel Based on a True Story is an emotional story about identity, belonging, and the depth of the human spirit. This is one that will stick with you because it’s so honest. The author’s skill at bringing characters and themes to life within a specific time and place is what makes this book so powerful. It makes you think, feel, and reflect on your own life, and it’s hard to ask for more than that.
– The Moving Words Review
Official Entry: The Most Moving Book Award, Jan. 6, 2025
