The Last Palace: Europe's Turbulent Century in Five Lives and One Legendary House by Norm Eisen

For decades, the stately and majestic Last Palace in Europe has captivated readers and assumed its place in history as one of the great estates of the Western world. From its grand entrance, to its lush gardens and outbuildings, to its sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, the Last Palace stands as a symbol of resiliency and a reminder of the turbulent times in which it has seen five remarkable lives touch its halls throughout the 20th century.

In his book, The Last Palace: Europe’s Turbulent Century in Five Lives and One Legendary House, author Norm Eisen takes readers beyond the building’s outward beauty, chronicling the tremendous upheaval that has defined Europe’s turbulent 20th century and highlighting five extraordinary individuals whose lives are forever linked to the grand estate.

Beginning with the tale of a Viennese Jewish woman in 1914 with grand aspirations of establishing a cultural center where salon society could mingle and share ideas, The Last Palace takes readers on an emotional journey that culminates in 2019 when Eisen himself purchased the property, fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning the legendary estate that had captured his imagination as a young boy.

Each of the five different eras Eisen details offers insight into the tremendous progress, setbacks and camaraderie that characterized Europe’s 20th century and provides an intimate look at how the family and staff of the Last Palace persevered through it all. From the brave Viennese who opened their doors to Jewish refugees during Hitler’s reign, to the remarkable determination of the Wertheimer family who endured economic ruin and Soviet oppression during the Cold War in order to keep the estate open, each story paints a vivid portrait of life at the Last Palace during a century of unparalleled unease and unrest.

Described as a “riveting narrative”, The Last Palace is a masterful piece of storytelling, a sometimes-painful examination of the horror, tragedy and tragedy of Europe’s turbulent century. Through deeply personal accounts of love, betrayal and courage in the face of adversity, Eisen provides an intimate account of how the grand estate and its five extraordinary lives served as a microcosm of the struggles and triumphs of an entire continent.

At its core, The Last Palace is a testament to the human spirit, offering readers an inspiring and enlightening read that honors the memory of those who lived in the palace and the inspiring determination and resilience they embodied. By the book’s conclusion, readers will have come to appreciate the importance and beauty of the Last Palace and its historical relevance in Europe’s tumultuous 20th century.