Paul M. Levitt Libri

Set against the backdrop of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, the story follows Jay Klug and his friend T-Bone Searle as they race against time to locate a missing young woman linked to New Jersey gangster Abner Longie Zwillman. Their quest intertwines with the efforts of Jewish gangsters who seek to thwart the Olympics in protest against Nazi Germany, adding urgency and tension as they confront a deadly Nazi assassin. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, danger, and the fight against oppression.

A journey back in time to what was arguably the most brutal and turbulent period in English history.

As Stalin lies dying, this novel records his last thoughts, which he renders as a movie about the people he believes envenomed his life, namely, Lenin and certain women. (A film devotee, Stalin so loved movies that some scholars have even suggested that he governed the Soviet empire by cinematocracy, rule by cinema.) He has suffered a stroke but will linger for three days before dying. As in a film, he revisits scenes and old arguments with Lenin, and then endures a trial over his charge that women have poisoned his life. At the conclusion of the trial, Stalin's mind screen returns to V.I. Lenin. What follows then is Stalin's concluding mockery and denunciation of Lenin; Lenin's final assessment of Stalin; and the end of the novel: Stalin's dying words.

Learn why Yorkshire has such an eventful and stormy past.

Set in a vibrant era characterized by glamour and intrigue, this debut novel immerses readers in a world where a teenage girl becomes an unwitting accomplice to a celebrity fangster. The narrative is rich with stylish gossip reminiscent of the Flapper age, offering an exquisite portrayal of the time's culture and social dynamics. Through its detailed storytelling, the book captures the essence of youthful naivety and the allure of fame, promising an entertaining journey through a captivating historical backdrop.

The story follows Avraham Bahar, an Albanian barber who relocates to Stalinist Russia in search of a better life. His skills earn him a position as Stalin's personal barber, thrusting him into a world of political intrigue and deception. As he navigates the complexities of serving a paranoid dictator, he also encounters various Stalin look-alikes, adding layers of tension and dark humor to his experience. The narrative explores themes of power, identity, and survival in a repressive regime.

Set in late 1930s Russia, the story follows Sasha Parsky, who, after killing two soldiers, is thrust into a dangerous game of espionage when he is appointed head of a boys' school under the watchful eye of the secret police. As he navigates his new role and engages in political discussions with the dismissed director, he faces growing suspicion and anonymous denunciations. Tension escalates with the return of two figures from his past, forcing Sasha to confront betrayal and the perilous consequences of his choices.

Set against the backdrop of 1910, a family's quest for the elusive Golden Medina leads them from Russia to America. As they navigate their perilous journey, they confront deep-seated family secrets and cultural clashes, revealing the darker side of the American Dream. Themes of love and division emerge as they grapple with the challenges of their new life, ultimately highlighting the complexities of identity and aspiration in a foreign land.

The collision of academia and organized crime unfolds as a former mobster becomes the head of Bogus U. He grapples with the dual challenges of managing threats from his past mob connections and navigating the complexities of student life. Amidst the chaos, he strives to restore the university's tarnished reputation, blending humor and satire in this unique college setting.

The narrative unfolds in Hungamon, Louisiana, during 1988-89, as it explores the historical journey of a Hungarian painting that evaded Nazi and Communist control. The story delves into the intertwined secrets of two families: one Jewish, connected to the Hungarian artwork, and the other gentile, linked to an American painting that conceals a troubling history. Through progressive discoveries, the characters confront their pasts and the legacies of art amid the shadows of history.