A deeply moving, humorous story of a boy who believes in everything and an old man who believes in nothing.
In 1934, a rabbi’s son in Prague joins a traveling circus, becomes a magician, and rises to fame under the stage name the Great Zabbatini just as Europe descends into World War II. When Zabbatiniis discovered to be a Jew, his battered trunk full of magic tricks becomes his only hope of surviving the concentration camp where he is sent.
Seven decades later in Los Angeles, ten-year-old Max finds a scratched-up LP that captured Zabbatini performing his greatest tricks. But the track in which Zabbatini performs his love spell—the spell Max believes will keep his disintegrating family together—is damaged beyond repair. Desperate for a solution, Max seeks out the now elderly, cynical magician and begs him to perform his magic on his parents. As the two develop an unlikely friendship, Moshe discovers that Max and his family have a surprising connection to the dark, dark days the Great Zabbatini experienced during the war.
Recalling the melancholy humor of Isaac Bashevis Singer and the heartbreaking pathos of the film Life is Beautiful—this outstanding first novel is at once an irreverent yet deeply moving story about a young boy who believes in magic and a disillusioned old man who believes in nothing, as well as a gripping and heartfelt tale about the circle of life.
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“Bergmann’s storytelling is a feat of magic in and of itself—his light tone and deft descriptions capture the wonder of friendship, the heartbreak of youth, and the dread of some of history’s darkest moments with an ease that is both engaging and deeply emotional.”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ stars, Top Pick!)
“Narrator Jonathan Davis provides a stellar performance, infusing each character with unique passions…Davis’ performance is an excellent match for this story…Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile“A poignant story about one’s true worth.”
— Historical Novel Society“A lovely story…A tale for those who continue to look for magic in the world.”
— New York Journal of Books“The twin stories of Max and the octogenarian born Moshe Goldenhirsch in Prague will mesmerize readers…Bergmann’s ability to create appealing, well-drawn characters and tell a gripping story is impressive.”
— Library Journal (starred review)Be the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Emanuel Bergmann was born in Saarbrücken, Germany, in 1972. After his high school graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to study film and journalism. He has worked for various movie studios, production companies, and independent publishers in Germany and the United States. He now makes his living teaching German, translating books, and writing articles. The Trick is his first novel.
Jonathan Davis has been inducted into the Audible Narrator Hall of Fame. A three-time recipient and fourteen-time nominee of the Audie Award, he has earned accolades for his narration from the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, the American Library Association, Booklist, the Audio Publishers Association, AudioFile magazine, and USA Today. He has narrated a variety of bestsellers and award-winners for top publishing houses. He also narrated over forty titles of the Star Wars franchise for Lucasfilm Ltd./PRH Audio, including several iconic movie tie-ins, has participated with Star Wars Celebration, and has built a significant fan base. His work as a narrator includes films and programming for National Geographic Television, NOVA, PBS, VH1, and Francis Ford Coppola. He grew up in Puerto Rico and speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and Hebrew.