The Last of the Seven

A Novel of World War II

By: Steven Hartov

Narrated by: Raphael Corkhill

Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

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 Seven is a lyrical, propulsive historical novel perfect for listeners of Mark Sullivan, Robert Harris and Alan Furst.

©2022 Steven Hartov (P)2022 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Excellent novel, splendidly narrated

This is a captivating and powerful story, and it’s superbly narrated by Raphael Corkhill. This book cheered me significantly during a miserable week with Covid. Thanks!

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.

Excellent Retelling

This is a very well narrated book about one of the many fascinating histories of WW2. Good pacing, well written, and, as mentioned above, well told.

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.

Hidden Truths

There are such things as truthful made up stories and non-fiction novels. Sometimes even masterful blends of both. Raphael Corkhill is one of the finest narrators I’ve had the pleasure to have listened to. Great book.

DIFFICULTY UNDERSTANDING NARRATOR

I use a hearing aid connected via bluetooth. I had a difficult time understanding parts of the narrative.

Good read

Historically accurate and documented. It’s well written and easy to follow the historical events and characters. I really enjoyed it!