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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This story was harrowing. It felt weird rating it as a fiction book when so much of it is based on true events. Dita (who is still alive at the time of this review!) is marvellous, and the afterword where the author discusses their time getting to meet Dita in person was so nice. Dita is, and was, truly the epitome of human resilience.
Naturally, reading about the Holocaust is always going to be reading true horror. The descriptions of the conditions of Auschwitz were gruesome and so upsetting. However, I think that books like this should be required reading. I also came away from this book feeling like I need to visit the real Auschwitz.
Naturally, reading about the Holocaust is always going to be reading true horror. The descriptions of the conditions of Auschwitz were gruesome and so upsetting. However, I think that books like this should be required reading. I also came away from this book feeling like I need to visit the real Auschwitz.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Gore, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Excrement, Antisemitism, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, War, Classism, Pandemic/Epidemic
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Genocide, Hate crime, Antisemitism, Deportation
Moderate: Suicide, Suicide attempt, War
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
I wish I could give this book a higher rating. It highlights an incredible point in history and does well in illustrating how these people survived while in Auschwitz. It also does well in showing the power of knowledge and books, and how important those things can be in an otherwise hopeless situation. These are all really good things, but the problem isn't in the history of the story but in how it's being executed.
In a strange way, I feel like this book would've worked a lot better if it was just a biography of this woman or a more historic account. For me, turning it more fictional kind of weakened the historic parts. Or at least, that's my takeaway. It could also be that some of it was literally lost in translation.
It was still done well and it will get younger people interested in this point in history. I guess I just wanted it to be a little stronger one way or the other: either lean more toward history or be more fictional. The blurred line didn't do this book any favors.
In a strange way, I feel like this book would've worked a lot better if it was just a biography of this woman or a more historic account. For me, turning it more fictional kind of weakened the historic parts. Or at least, that's my takeaway. It could also be that some of it was literally lost in translation.
It was still done well and it will get younger people interested in this point in history. I guess I just wanted it to be a little stronger one way or the other: either lean more toward history or be more fictional. The blurred line didn't do this book any favors.
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
This book was Raw, powerful, heartbreaking, truthful, and details of unfortunate events. This book shows the strength and stamina of a group of people and should always be remembered.
Spectacular weaving of nonfiction, biographical information with fiction to make a compelling story to make this event so vivid.
This book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering the past and the enduring impact of books and knowledge. The book explores the power of education, literature, and hope in preserving humanity amidst despair.
4.5 Stars rounding up to 5
I really liked this book. I read it for the first time recreationally, then for Literature class this year. It is another perspective of the holocaust from a teenage girl’s perspective, but this time about an incredible feat the members of Block 31 pulled under the Nazi’s noses. I would recommend reading it.
I really liked this book. I read it for the first time recreationally, then for Literature class this year. It is another perspective of the holocaust from a teenage girl’s perspective, but this time about an incredible feat the members of Block 31 pulled under the Nazi’s noses. I would recommend reading it.