The Orientalist

*The Orientalist* chronicles the life of Lev Nussimbaum, a Jewish man from Azerbaijan who transformed himself into a Muslim prince and bestselling author named Essad Bey. The biography traces his journey from oil-rich Baku through the Russian Revolution, and across Europe between the World Wars. Tom Reiss follows Nussimbaum's path through multiple identities, countries, and dramatic historical shifts of the early 20th century. His research spans continents and decades, drawing from archives, interviews, and historical documents to reconstruct this hidden story. In the process of uncovering Nussimbaum's tale, the book maps the complex cultural and political landscape of Europe and Asia during a pivotal period of change. The narrative moves through the glamorous cafes of Weimar Berlin, the literary circles of Vienna, and the shifting borders of nations being born and destroyed. Beyond biography, *The Orientalist* examines themes of identity, reinvention, and the blurred lines between East and West in the modern era. The story raises questions about how people construct themselves in times of upheaval, and what it means to choose who you become.

Readers appreciate the depth of research and fascinating historical context around Europe, the Caucasus, and the Middle East in the 1920s-30s. Many note the book reads like a detective story as Reiss uncovers the truth about Lev Nussimbaum's life and multiple identities. Positive reviews highlight: - Rich details about Azerbaijan and Baku during the period - Connections to major historical figures and events - Insights into Jewish identity in Europe between the wars Common criticisms: - Narrative can be confusing with multiple timeline jumps - Too many tangential historical details - Writing style becomes repetitive Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (180+ ratings) "The historical context overshadows the central biography at times," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader states: "Fascinating subject matter but the writing meanders too much through peripheral historical events."

The Convert by Stefan Hertmans A historian traces the life of a medieval Norman woman who abandoned her Christian life to marry a Jewish man, reconstructing her journey through Europe using centuries-old documents and records.

The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal The biography of a collection of Japanese netsuke carvings reveals the story of a Jewish banking dynasty across five generations and multiple continents.

The Lost City of Z by David Grann This work follows the path of explorer Percy Fawcett's 1925 expedition into the Amazon while uncovering the truth behind his disappearance and the ancient civilization he sought.

The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit by Lucette Lagnado A journalist reconstructs her father's life from his days as a Jewish businessman in Cairo through his exile and immigration to America following Nasser's rise to power.

The Riddle of the Labyrinth by Margalit Fox The story of three scholars who worked to decode Linear B script illuminates the process of solving one of archaeology's greatest mysteries.

🌟 Author Tom Reiss spent five years tracking down the true story of Lev Nussimbaum (Kurban Said) across ten countries, learning Russian in the process. 🌟 Lev Nussimbaum escaped the Russian Revolution twice - first from Baku to Georgia, and then from Georgia across the Black Sea to Constantinople. 🌟 In 1930s Berlin, Nussimbaum became a bestselling author while hiding his Jewish identity, presenting himself as a Muslim prince from Azerbaijan. 🌟 The book's publication helped solve the decades-old mystery of who wrote "Ali and Nino," one of Azerbaijan's most beloved novels. 🌟 The story was discovered when Reiss found an old card catalog entry in Vienna that led him to the last surviving person who knew Nussimbaum's true identity.