The Last of the Seven

A Novel of World War II

By: Steven Hartov

Narrated by: Raphael Corkhill

A spellbinding novel of World War II based on the little-known history of the X Troop—a team of European Jews who escaped the Continent only to join the British Army and return home to exact their revenge on Hitler’s military.

A lone soldier wearing a German uniform stumbles into a British military camp in the North African desert with an incredible story to tell. He is the only survivor of an undercover operation meant to infiltrate a Nazi base, trading on the soldiers’ perfect fluency in German. However, this man is not British-born but instead a German Jew seeking revenge for the deaths of his family back home in Berlin.

As the Allies advance into Europe, the young lieutenant is brought to recover in Sicily. There he is recruited by a British major to join the newly formed X Troop, a commando unit composed of German and Austrian Jews training for a top secret mission at a nearby camp in the Sicilian hills. They are all “lost boys,” driven not by patriotism but by vengeance.

Drawing on meticulous research into this unique group of soldiers, The Last of the Sevenis a lyrical, propulsive historical novel perfect for readers of Mark Sullivan, Robert Harris and Alan Furst.

Top secret WW ll Jewish commandos

The best part was the information about a top secret special commando group of Jewish Soldiers, World War II. I am very impressed with the experience, knowledge, and research of the author. In the beginning, in some parts, I did have a bit of a time figuring out what was spoken. The narrator has a wonderful bass voice and command of languages & accents, made it very entertaining. The director needed to advise less dramatic sense of urgency. Halfway through the book it became easier to understand.
Though this author's style is not my preference, I am glad I read the book.
Now looking for more information about the X group. Love these incredible and brave soldiers.

A great listen!

Very compelling story, excellently narrated by Raphael Corkhill. I didn't know what to expect going into this, but I am so glad I listened.

It's All About the Narrator

Raphael Corkhill makes this book. His mature voice and British accent are just for starters. There are many characters and he brings them to life with different accents and intonations. Best of all is his ability in foreign languages, especially German. I happen to speak German and I recognize when it is narrated well. It will be flawed reasoning to typecast him as a superb narrator when foreign language skills are required. Think of him as a superb narrator full stop. Listeners will seek him out and buy any book he narrates no matter what the subject.

Few novels touch so deeply

Based on many true World War 2 parallels and characters, impeccably narrated, this book was marvelously written. I marveled at the beautiful writing. The story and adventure are near to holy. I apologize that I do not have the words to convey how great this book is. Thank you to all who labored to create this book. Thank you to the author, who used his gift in this important way.

Some of the best storytelling I've heard

The story is amazing, interesting, and beautifully told. That so much of it is based in true events makes it ever more impressive. My only hangup is that the narrator's regular voice sounds almost like a stage whisper rather than a normal speaking tone, which doesn't quite fit the book and at times made me sleepy (which the actual content never would). That said, the narrator truly shines in delivering incredible accents for the rich array of nationalities and backgrounds involved here. German, New York, and even Israeli-British accents are masterfully portrayed. This was my first Steven Hartov novel and I can't wait to read everything else he's written.