The Butcher's Tale: Murder and Anti-Semitism in a German Town

Set in a small Prussian town in 1900, the story revolves around the gruesome murder of a young boy, which ignites violent riots as the Christian community falsely accuses the Jews of ritual murder. Helmut Walser Smith meticulously reconstructs the events, exploring the themes of hatred, bigotry, and mass hysteria that lead to the persecution of the Jewish community. This compelling narrative serves as a modern parable, shedding light on the dangers of unfounded accusations and the historical context of anti-Semitism.