Released in 2017, it won the Prix Renaudot and became a bestseller: As of 2022, at least 300,000 copies have been sold,[1] and the book has been translated into at least 25 languages.

Mengele goes on the run again, moving to Paraguay, and eventually to Brazil, where he drowns after having a stroke in 1979.

[5] The Spectator wrote a positive review, describing the novel as "compelling reading...This surprising historical novel, highly successful in its shocking impact, should be read as a timely warning of atrocities that barbaric, deranged fanatics commit in war.

"[6] Publishers Weekly gave a negative review, writing "Journalist Guez makes his English-language debut with a staid portrait of a monstrous man...the narrative is remarkably humdrum and slack.

"[7] In October 2022, it was announced that Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov was planning to make a film based on the book, with German actor August Diehl performing the role of Mengele.