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fil's review against another edition
5.0
This is short but so heavy, at times it was quite difficult to read. Marija is our guide and what she sees, recollects and imagines is gut-wrenching, to think human beings can inflict that kind of suffering, some of it ordered by superiors and some of it just, seemingly, for sport... it boggles the mind.
Between an unkind past, an unconscionable present and a possible tragic future, I often felt overwhelmed. The imagery herein is horrific, to contemplate that kind of cruelty on such a personal level is upsetting. In a strange way it is easier to read about the Holocaust in history books, they seldom dwell on individuals like this (all-too-possible) story does.
'Psalm 44' is also a monument to the human spirit, of what it can endure and overcome. Marija deals with untested allies, the possible loss of her 'husband', the survival of her newborn baby, an uncertain future and Nazi machine-guns. She is a warrior, a survivor and a hero.
The end brought a tear to my eye.
Between an unkind past, an unconscionable present and a possible tragic future, I often felt overwhelmed. The imagery herein is horrific, to contemplate that kind of cruelty on such a personal level is upsetting. In a strange way it is easier to read about the Holocaust in history books, they seldom dwell on individuals like this (all-too-possible) story does.
'Psalm 44' is also a monument to the human spirit, of what it can endure and overcome. Marija deals with untested allies, the possible loss of her 'husband', the survival of her newborn baby, an uncertain future and Nazi machine-guns. She is a warrior, a survivor and a hero.
The end brought a tear to my eye.
hartereads's review
5.0
This book is everything Shawn expressed. It is harrowing, beautifully written, and manages to convey the horror of the Holocaust through the eyes of the characters. I couldn't put it down.
It's the best book I have ever read about the Holocaust. You won't be sorry for picking up this book.
It's the best book I have ever read about the Holocaust. You won't be sorry for picking up this book.
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