The Books of Jacob

The mid-18th century. New ideas and new turmoil sweep across the continent. At this time, a young Jew, Jacob Frank, arrives in a small village in Poland. It is here that his pilgrimage begins, which will gather an unprecedented number of followers over the next decade.
Jacob Frank will traverse the Habsburg and Ottoman empires, repeatedly reinventing himself. He will convert to Islam, to Catholicism, endure the pillory as a heretic, and be revered as a Messiah. The chaos of his thoughts will be observed by the whole world, whispering about the strange rituals of his sect.
The story of Jacob Frank—a real historical figure around whom disputes still continue to this day—is the perfect canvas for the genius and unparalleled scope of Olga Tokarczuk. Telling from the perspective of his contemporaries—those who revere him, those who condemn him, those who love him, and those who ultimately betray him—"The Books of Jacob" captures a world on the brink of drastic change and inspires faith in oneself and one's capabilities.