BOOK BRIEF

Badenheim 1939

Aharon Appelfeld
Guide cover placeholder

Badenheim 1939

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Aharon Appelfeld

Badenheim 1939

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995
Book Details
Pages

148

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Badenheim, Austria • 1930s

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Badenheim 1939 by Aharon Appelfeld, individuals vacationing in the idyllic town of Badenheim gradually face increasing restrictions as control shifts to officials. Set in pre-World War II Europe, the novel captures the transformation of the town and its inhabitants' growing unease, reflecting historical tensions and foreshadowing dire events.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.7

1,167 ratings

60%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Aharon Appelfeld's Badenheim 1939 is lauded for its poignant, allegorical narrative and evocative prose, capturing the foreboding atmosphere of pre-war Europe. While praised for its haunting portrayal of denial and impending doom, some critics find its understated approach lacking depth in character development. Overall, it remains a powerful, reflective read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Badenheim 1939?

Readers who appreciate subtle, allegorical tales of impending doom akin to The Trial by Franz Kafka or The Plague by Albert Camus will find Badenheim 1939 by Aharon Appelfeld captivating. This novel is ideal for those interested in pre-WWII narratives and psychological studies of denial and obliviousness.

3.7

1,167 ratings

60%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

148

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Badenheim, Austria • 1930s

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!