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kae_itzme's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
samjaymc's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.0
sarahs_bookish_life's review against another edition
4.0
The Children’s Block is a novel that came together from a survivor's diary entries, although the author has incorporated his own experiences of his time in the camps, as well as used research and interviews so that he keeps it as true to what happened in them, as well as included some real life people, one in particular being the notorious Dr Mengele.
With books like this one, I always devour any introduction or afterword as I find these every bit as informative as the stories themselves. As well as there being an author’s note, there is also an introduction from Otto’s wife. I could feel the emotions stir inside me even before beginning the actual story.
The story focuses on the block where the children were kept within the camp. What the adults had to endure is something that no adult should have to endure but to read of the children being treat in the same manner, was heart breaking. I liked how the author incorporated some real life figures in the story as well as telling us about the dwarf’s that were also captured and held there. Dwarf’s are not mentioned in many non fiction books that I have read, although I have read one that was solely dedicated to the subject and it was a real eye opener.
The Children’s Block is both an informative and compelling read. It will certainly make you go through an array of emotions. The authors own experiences really brings the horrors of time in the camps to life. I have to admit I’m not a lover of how it ends as it’s rather abrupt but even so, it’s still a story I would urge everyone to read.
My thanks to Penguin Random House UK and Tracy Fenton (The Book Club) for my advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
With books like this one, I always devour any introduction or afterword as I find these every bit as informative as the stories themselves. As well as there being an author’s note, there is also an introduction from Otto’s wife. I could feel the emotions stir inside me even before beginning the actual story.
The story focuses on the block where the children were kept within the camp. What the adults had to endure is something that no adult should have to endure but to read of the children being treat in the same manner, was heart breaking. I liked how the author incorporated some real life figures in the story as well as telling us about the dwarf’s that were also captured and held there. Dwarf’s are not mentioned in many non fiction books that I have read, although I have read one that was solely dedicated to the subject and it was a real eye opener.
The Children’s Block is both an informative and compelling read. It will certainly make you go through an array of emotions. The authors own experiences really brings the horrors of time in the camps to life. I have to admit I’m not a lover of how it ends as it’s rather abrupt but even so, it’s still a story I would urge everyone to read.
My thanks to Penguin Random House UK and Tracy Fenton (The Book Club) for my advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
zdrewitt11's review against another edition
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sugaplumfairy28's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
beccaannekent's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
ullrichm's review against another edition
2.0
I struggled to read this book. I found the narration to be slow and, at times, hard to follow. I found myself rereading several sections in order to follow along. This book just did not hold my attention as many other Holocaust books I have read.
thickthighs_no_lies's review against another edition
5.0
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
There is a line right at the beginning of this book that really hit home for me as a reader:
“ There is no such thing as the Holocaust of six million but rather six million separate Holocausts, each different from the other, each one with its own suffering, fears and scars.”
I think that has been proven by the many different accounts of the Holocaust that I have read before, and I am sure will later read again.
Although this is a fictional book it is based on a true account of Otto B. Kraus’ experiences within Auschwitz Birkenau’s Kinder Block. From what I understand it is one of very few books written about the Kinder Block. It shows how the adults tried to make a normal life within the confines of the block and tried to shield them from some of the horrors occurring around them.
This books seems to really capture the lasting impact the Holocaust had and has upon the survivors, including the guilt they feel for surviving when so many didn’t.
A truly captivating read, that in some parts, as a mother of two young boys, absolutely broke my heart.
There is a line right at the beginning of this book that really hit home for me as a reader:
“ There is no such thing as the Holocaust of six million but rather six million separate Holocausts, each different from the other, each one with its own suffering, fears and scars.”
I think that has been proven by the many different accounts of the Holocaust that I have read before, and I am sure will later read again.
Although this is a fictional book it is based on a true account of Otto B. Kraus’ experiences within Auschwitz Birkenau’s Kinder Block. From what I understand it is one of very few books written about the Kinder Block. It shows how the adults tried to make a normal life within the confines of the block and tried to shield them from some of the horrors occurring around them.
This books seems to really capture the lasting impact the Holocaust had and has upon the survivors, including the guilt they feel for surviving when so many didn’t.
A truly captivating read, that in some parts, as a mother of two young boys, absolutely broke my heart.
eemilyayaya's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0