Joseph Roth
Joseph Roth was an Austrian-Jewish journalist and novelist, best known for his family saga 'The Radetzky March' and his novel 'Job'. His works often explore themes of identity, displacement, and the decline of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Radetzky March
"The Radetzky March" is a historical novel that explores the decline and fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire through the experiences of the Trotta family, across three generations. The narrative begins with Lieutenant Trotta, who saves the life of the Emperor during the Battle of Solferino, and follows his descendants as they navigate the complexities of life in the empire. The novel delves into themes of duty, honor, and the inevitability of change, painting a vivid picture of a society in decline.
The 199th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Job
The Story of a Simple Man
The novel tells the story of Mendel Singer, a humble and devout Jewish man living in a small Russian village in the early 20th century. As a teacher of the Torah, Mendel leads a life marked by faith and simplicity, but his world is turned upside down by a series of personal tragedies that test his belief in God. His son is born with a disability, another son is conscripted into the Russian army, and his daughter elopes with a Cossack. Seeking a better life, Mendel and his family immigrate to America, where he faces further hardships and loss. Throughout his journey, Mendel grapples with despair and doubt, ultimately finding a renewed sense of faith and understanding in the face of suffering.
The 2003rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. Weights And Measures
The Story of a Marriage
"Weights and Measures" is a poignant narrative that delves into the life of a conscientious imperial weights and measures inspector, who is uprooted from his contented existence in the city to a remote border town. In this new environment, he struggles with the corruption and indifference of the local merchants, which stands in stark contrast to his own principled nature. His sense of duty and his quest for justice become increasingly burdensome, leading to a profound personal crisis that reflects the broader decay of societal values in a world on the brink of great change and upheaval.
The 3155th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. The Tale Of The 1002nd Night
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Vienna, this novel weaves a tale of intrigue, romance, and the clash of cultures. The story follows the journey of a Persian Shah visiting the opulent city, where he becomes entangled in a web of deception and desire. As the Shah navigates the complexities of European society, he encounters a cast of vivid characters, each with their own secrets and ambitions. The narrative explores themes of identity, power, and the ephemeral nature of human connections, painting a rich portrait of a world on the brink of change.
The 5907th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
5. Rebellion
After World War I, Andreas Pum returns home having lost a leg and received a medal. He keeps an unswerving faith in God, government and authority, but a dispute leads to his imprisonment as a rebel. The novel charts his crisis of faith and the wider cynicism and upheaval of postwar society through a mix of social commentary and brisk, jazz-like cadences.
The 16948th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org
