The start of this book draws you in. The first few pages set a high expectation, which the book meets perfectly. The story told is full of rich moments of joy, sadness, and anger, which I felt deeply as well. I was always left wanting to read more – wanting answers – to know if they survived. The perspective that Dita Kraus provides, and how the author portrays the experience of Auschwitz prisoners, is eye opening. Books are powerful tools, and this story is an important and meaningful part of history that stays in your mind and teaches you a lot. The books in the story keep humanity alive in Auschwitz.
There are devastating and awful events in this novel that are described in ways that make you feel as if you are part of history. The ending of this book ties the narrative together perfectly and I felt that the story was portrayed well. The past was not forgotten. Instead, it has been remembered through survivors like Dita, Ota and Rudi.
Reviewed by Danielle T. – Year 8 – Salesian College Sunbury
