Badenheim 1939 is an Israeli novel by Aharon Appelfeld. First published in Hebrew in 1978 as באדנהיים עיר נופש (Badenhaim `ir nofesh, 'resort town Badenheim'), it was his first novel to be translated into English, and was subsequently translated into many other languages. Described as "the greatest novel of the Holocaust", this novel is an allegorical satire that tells the story of a fictional Jewish town in Austria shortly before its residents are relocated to Nazi concentration camps in German-occupied Poland. Plot summary Badenheim is a primarily Jewish resort town in Austria that hosts a yearly arts festival, organized by Dr. Pappenheim. Slowly, the Nazi regime, represented by the "Sanitation Department", begins shutting down the town and preparing to move its residents to Eastern Europe. The citizens begin blaming each other and losing their minds. Despite impending doom, others remain optimistic and refuse to see the coming Holocaust. Characters in Badenheim 1939 Dr. Pappenheim an optimistic and eccentric impresario who visits Badenheim each summer to organize the annual music festival. He craves structure, constantly refers to schedules and timetables, but is always able to find positive explanations for the most ominous of actions. Frau Zauberblit an escapee from a nearby sanatorium, she appears to have mild symptoms of tuberculosis. In her gay straw hat, she enjoys the companionship and culture that Badenheim provides. Martin the local pharmacist, is self-conscious and quick to blame himself for the problems of others. He is dedicated to his ailing wife, Trude. Trude Martin’s wife; stricken with severe depression and paranoia; she constantly awaits news from her daughter. Sally and Gertie two local middle-aged prostitutes, largely accepted by the community. Mandelbaum an eccentric musician who arrives late in the season along with a musical trio. Dr. Shutz a boyish, love-starved doctor who is in love with a visiting schoolgirl who he soon learns is pregnant. Dr. Langmann claiming his Austrian heritage with pride, he is quick to denounce his Judaism in order to maintain his status. Karl and Lotte a couple who journey to Badenheim for the music festival. Karl has dragged a skeptical Lotte to the town, but it is Karl who loses his grip on reality as the summer wears on. Leon Samitzky a musician who migrated from Poland as a child and still recalls his native land with fondness. The yanuka Nahum Slotzker, a Polish child and musical prodigy brought to Badenheim