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maryrobinson's review against another edition
5.0
Hedi Fried, author and psychologist, was 19 when the Nazis came for her family. She survived Auschwitz and several labour camps and has spent her life educating young people about the Holocaust. This is such a wonderful little book and it centers on the questions Hedi, who is now 94, has been asked the most over her years doing student presentations. She writes: “There are no stupid questions, nor any forbidden ones, but there are some questions that have no answer.” Moving and honest and heart-breaking.
trixie_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really interesting little book full of questions you might wonder about Holocaust survivors but would be too polite to ask, such as "what was the worst thing that happened to you?" or "Do you hate Germans?"
dresselaersdaphne's review against another edition
5.0
Ik lees graag boeken + kijk graag documentaires over de holocaust en dit boek was eentje die me op een heel andere manier raakte.
De manier waarop ze sprak over de toekomst en hoe mensen vaak gewoon toeschouwers zijn; het deed me googelen naar genocides die tot op de dag van vandaag bezig zijn. Want er zijn nu momenteel genocides aan de gang en we laten het gewoon gebeuren, net zoals in WOII. Maar hoe help je een land aan de andere kant van de wereld?
We denken allemaal graag dat we bij het verzet zouden zijn gegaan tijdens WOII, maar de waarheid is dat de meesten van ons toeschouwers zouden zijn.
Ze benadrukt hoe belangrijk het is dat de verhalen van de holocaust blijven verteld worden, ook als het moment daar is dat de laatste generatie die de kampen hebben overleefd, sterft van ouderdom.
Er zijn steeds meer hate crimes op joden, aziaten en zwarten. Het is weer aan het roeren. Kijk maar naar Trump en zijn muur en detention camps om migranten buiten te houden. De schrijfster herkent zich in de migranten van nu. Ze zegt dat zij ook op een bootje gekropen zou zijn om te vluchten. Ik weet niet wat de oplossing is voor het migratieprobleem en de vluchtelingenstromen, maar de overeenkomsten tussen vluchtende Joden en vluchtende syriërs (etc) was me eigenlijk nog nooit echt opgevallen. Daarom raakte dit boek. Omdat ik besefte dat ik alles wel op het nieuws zie, maar dat ik daardoor ook gewoon een toeschouwer ben.
De manier waarop ze sprak over de toekomst en hoe mensen vaak gewoon toeschouwers zijn; het deed me googelen naar genocides die tot op de dag van vandaag bezig zijn. Want er zijn nu momenteel genocides aan de gang en we laten het gewoon gebeuren, net zoals in WOII. Maar hoe help je een land aan de andere kant van de wereld?
We denken allemaal graag dat we bij het verzet zouden zijn gegaan tijdens WOII, maar de waarheid is dat de meesten van ons toeschouwers zouden zijn.
Ze benadrukt hoe belangrijk het is dat de verhalen van de holocaust blijven verteld worden, ook als het moment daar is dat de laatste generatie die de kampen hebben overleefd, sterft van ouderdom.
Er zijn steeds meer hate crimes op joden, aziaten en zwarten. Het is weer aan het roeren. Kijk maar naar Trump en zijn muur en detention camps om migranten buiten te houden. De schrijfster herkent zich in de migranten van nu. Ze zegt dat zij ook op een bootje gekropen zou zijn om te vluchten. Ik weet niet wat de oplossing is voor het migratieprobleem en de vluchtelingenstromen, maar de overeenkomsten tussen vluchtende Joden en vluchtende syriërs (etc) was me eigenlijk nog nooit echt opgevallen. Daarom raakte dit boek. Omdat ik besefte dat ik alles wel op het nieuws zie, maar dat ik daardoor ook gewoon een toeschouwer ben.
ericamatildas's review against another edition
3.0
3,5 ⭐️
Det är alltid viktigt med frågor, och det är ännu viktigare att vara mottaglig för de svar man får - svar som ibland kan vara knepiga att förstå. Därför är det fina med Hedis bok enkelheten i att hänga med, den går att försvinna i och plöja på en gång. Trots det är den är inte vad jag kommer återgå till för att minnas förintelsen. På grund av det korta fråga-svar formatet känns det ibland som att man knappt hinner dras in i historien förrän hon hoppar till nästa ämne. Kanske borde jag ge fler av hennes böcker en chans innan jag dömer denna, kanske är bara formatet inte riktigt min grej.
Ändå - det hon skriver om samhällssituationen i Sverige och världen idag är otroligt intressant och relevant, och det är nog vad jag tar med mig mest från den här boken. Om hur hat gror, om hur viktigt det är med förståelse, att minnas, och att framtida generationer måste berätta om förintelsen med samma känslor och inlevelse som om de själva upplevt den. För annars kommer historien upprepa sig, det har människan redan bevisat många gånger.
Sluta aldrig läsa om förintelsen, kompisar. Snälla, sluta aldrig läsa om förintelsen. Den var Europa igår, och den är det potentiella morgondagens Europa.
Det är alltid viktigt med frågor, och det är ännu viktigare att vara mottaglig för de svar man får - svar som ibland kan vara knepiga att förstå. Därför är det fina med Hedis bok enkelheten i att hänga med, den går att försvinna i och plöja på en gång. Trots det är den är inte vad jag kommer återgå till för att minnas förintelsen. På grund av det korta fråga-svar formatet känns det ibland som att man knappt hinner dras in i historien förrän hon hoppar till nästa ämne. Kanske borde jag ge fler av hennes böcker en chans innan jag dömer denna, kanske är bara formatet inte riktigt min grej.
Ändå - det hon skriver om samhällssituationen i Sverige och världen idag är otroligt intressant och relevant, och det är nog vad jag tar med mig mest från den här boken. Om hur hat gror, om hur viktigt det är med förståelse, att minnas, och att framtida generationer måste berätta om förintelsen med samma känslor och inlevelse som om de själva upplevt den. För annars kommer historien upprepa sig, det har människan redan bevisat många gånger.
Sluta aldrig läsa om förintelsen, kompisar. Snälla, sluta aldrig läsa om förintelsen. Den var Europa igår, och den är det potentiella morgondagens Europa.
scribepub's review against another edition
Timeless lessons taught with simple eloquence.
Kirkus
Hédi Fried is a remarkable woman and her writing offers important insights into truly terrible events and the slow, insidious way in which hatred can be fostered. Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust is an easy to read account of things that are almost too horrible to comprehend. The essays represent an individual’s reflections on matters that touch the whole of humanity and, as Fried hopes, the lessons she has to teach about the past should serve as a warning for the future. FIVE STARS
Erin Britton, NB
Candid and unflinching, deeply personal and sensitive, this is the perfect book for anyone, young or old, wanting to learn more about the Holocaust and why we must never forget – especially as the last surviving witnesses are lost to us.
Leanne Edimistone, Courier Mail
Now 94, Fried’s largeness of spirit emanates from every considered response to even the most confronting questions asked of her. One senses that her replies are not only educative but therapeutic, especially for young people grappling with their own questions about the meaning of life. While most of her experiences of this period are inescapably dark, there were moments of light that assumed enormous significance.
Fiona Capp, The Saturday Age
Fried was 19 when she and her family were sent from Hungary to Auschwitz. Her parents were murdered, but she and her sister survived. They both made a home in Sweden and, ever since, Fried, now 94, has talked to students about her experiences. This slim but powerful volume, sensitively translated by Alice Olsson, comprises answers to the questions she is most frequently asked, such as: “Why did you not fight back?” and “What helped you to survive?”, “Are you able to forgive?” Fried answers with humanity, candour and thoughtfulness in a book that should be required reading for all young people.
Hannah Beckerman, The Guardian
This is terrific in that I was utterly engrossed in not only what questions are asked of Hedi but the astute and depthful way she answers them. I began to read the other evening and went all the way to the end before putting this book down. It’s also potent in the ways our author touches on current issues with how we treat ‘others’ as to how we become divided and in worst case hurtful to those unlike ourselves. a big thumbs up and NOT just for the younger generation!
Sheryl Cotleur, Copperfield’s Books
Through questions she has been asked most, Questions I Am Asked About The Holocaust is a stoically raw and deeply human account of the author’s experiences throughout the Holocaust and surviving Auschwitz. An important, wise, and extremely powerful book.
Amanda Zirn Hudson, Bethany Beach Books
While Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust is very easy to read, the questions it raises are very hard to answer. Fried, in simple, straightforward prose, answers questions that children have asked her about her experiences. A must-have for parents, but be prepared to answer some hard questions yourself.
Lee Virden Geurkink, Monkey and Dog Books
It’s the straightforwardness of the book – and the fact that Fried is so candid in her answers – that makes this book so important.
Shelly Gare, The Sydney Institute
[S]ince these questions come from children, they quickly reach a level of intimacy that most adults would be afraid to venture into ... Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust is a collection of Hédi's gentle, honest answers to these questions over the years. With sensitivity and complete candour, Fried answers these questions and more in this deeply human book that urges us never to forget and never to repeat.
The Jewish Standard, Ontario
Honest and insightful.
Ellen Langmead, History Teachers’ Association of Victoria
Kirkus
Hédi Fried is a remarkable woman and her writing offers important insights into truly terrible events and the slow, insidious way in which hatred can be fostered. Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust is an easy to read account of things that are almost too horrible to comprehend. The essays represent an individual’s reflections on matters that touch the whole of humanity and, as Fried hopes, the lessons she has to teach about the past should serve as a warning for the future. FIVE STARS
Erin Britton, NB
Candid and unflinching, deeply personal and sensitive, this is the perfect book for anyone, young or old, wanting to learn more about the Holocaust and why we must never forget – especially as the last surviving witnesses are lost to us.
Leanne Edimistone, Courier Mail
Now 94, Fried’s largeness of spirit emanates from every considered response to even the most confronting questions asked of her. One senses that her replies are not only educative but therapeutic, especially for young people grappling with their own questions about the meaning of life. While most of her experiences of this period are inescapably dark, there were moments of light that assumed enormous significance.
Fiona Capp, The Saturday Age
Fried was 19 when she and her family were sent from Hungary to Auschwitz. Her parents were murdered, but she and her sister survived. They both made a home in Sweden and, ever since, Fried, now 94, has talked to students about her experiences. This slim but powerful volume, sensitively translated by Alice Olsson, comprises answers to the questions she is most frequently asked, such as: “Why did you not fight back?” and “What helped you to survive?”, “Are you able to forgive?” Fried answers with humanity, candour and thoughtfulness in a book that should be required reading for all young people.
Hannah Beckerman, The Guardian
This is terrific in that I was utterly engrossed in not only what questions are asked of Hedi but the astute and depthful way she answers them. I began to read the other evening and went all the way to the end before putting this book down. It’s also potent in the ways our author touches on current issues with how we treat ‘others’ as to how we become divided and in worst case hurtful to those unlike ourselves. a big thumbs up and NOT just for the younger generation!
Sheryl Cotleur, Copperfield’s Books
Through questions she has been asked most, Questions I Am Asked About The Holocaust is a stoically raw and deeply human account of the author’s experiences throughout the Holocaust and surviving Auschwitz. An important, wise, and extremely powerful book.
Amanda Zirn Hudson, Bethany Beach Books
While Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust is very easy to read, the questions it raises are very hard to answer. Fried, in simple, straightforward prose, answers questions that children have asked her about her experiences. A must-have for parents, but be prepared to answer some hard questions yourself.
Lee Virden Geurkink, Monkey and Dog Books
It’s the straightforwardness of the book – and the fact that Fried is so candid in her answers – that makes this book so important.
Shelly Gare, The Sydney Institute
[S]ince these questions come from children, they quickly reach a level of intimacy that most adults would be afraid to venture into ... Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust is a collection of Hédi's gentle, honest answers to these questions over the years. With sensitivity and complete candour, Fried answers these questions and more in this deeply human book that urges us never to forget and never to repeat.
The Jewish Standard, Ontario
Honest and insightful.
Ellen Langmead, History Teachers’ Association of Victoria
scribepub's review against another edition
Timeless lessons taught with simple eloquence.
Kirkus
Hédi Fried is a remarkable woman and her writing offers important insights into truly terrible events and the slow, insidious way in which hatred can be fostered. Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust is an easy to read account of things that are almost too horrible to comprehend. The essays represent an individual’s reflections on matters that touch the whole of humanity and, as Fried hopes, the lessons she has to teach about the past should serve as a warning for the future. FIVE STARS
Erin Britton, NB
Candid and unflinching, deeply personal and sensitive, this is the perfect book for anyone, young or old, wanting to learn more about the Holocaust and why we must never forget – especially as the last surviving witnesses are lost to us.
Leanne Edimistone, Courier Mail
Now 94, Fried’s largeness of spirit emanates from every considered response to even the most confronting questions asked of her. One senses that her replies are not only educative but therapeutic, especially for young people grappling with their own questions about the meaning of life. While most of her experiences of this period are inescapably dark, there were moments of light that assumed enormous significance.
Fiona Capp, The Saturday Age
Fried was 19 when she and her family were sent from Hungary to Auschwitz. Her parents were murdered, but she and her sister survived. They both made a home in Sweden and, ever since, Fried, now 94, has talked to students about her experiences. This slim but powerful volume, sensitively translated by Alice Olsson, comprises answers to the questions she is most frequently asked, such as: “Why did you not fight back?” and “What helped you to survive?”, “Are you able to forgive?” Fried answers with humanity, candour and thoughtfulness in a book that should be required reading for all young people.
Hannah Beckerman, The Guardian
This is terrific in that I was utterly engrossed in not only what questions are asked of Hedi but the astute and depthful way she answers them. I began to read the other evening and went all the way to the end before putting this book down. It’s also potent in the ways our author touches on current issues with how we treat ‘others’ as to how we become divided and in worst case hurtful to those unlike ourselves. a big thumbs up and NOT just for the younger generation!
Sheryl Cotleur, Copperfield’s Books
Through questions she has been asked most, Questions I Am Asked About The Holocaust is a stoically raw and deeply human account of the author’s experiences throughout the Holocaust and surviving Auschwitz. An important, wise, and extremely powerful book.
Amanda Zirn Hudson, Bethany Beach Books
While Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust is very easy to read, the questions it raises are very hard to answer. Fried, in simple, straightforward prose, answers questions that children have asked her about her experiences. A must-have for parents, but be prepared to answer some hard questions yourself.
Lee Virden Geurkink, Monkey and Dog Books
It’s the straightforwardness of the book – and the fact that Fried is so candid in her answers – that makes this book so important.
Shelly Gare, The Sydney Institute
[S]ince these questions come from children, they quickly reach a level of intimacy that most adults would be afraid to venture into ... Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust is a collection of Hédi's gentle, honest answers to these questions over the years. With sensitivity and complete candour, Fried answers these questions and more in this deeply human book that urges us never to forget and never to repeat.
The Jewish Standard, Ontario
Honest and insightful.
Ellen Langmead, History Teachers’ Association of Victoria
Kirkus
Hédi Fried is a remarkable woman and her writing offers important insights into truly terrible events and the slow, insidious way in which hatred can be fostered. Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust is an easy to read account of things that are almost too horrible to comprehend. The essays represent an individual’s reflections on matters that touch the whole of humanity and, as Fried hopes, the lessons she has to teach about the past should serve as a warning for the future. FIVE STARS
Erin Britton, NB
Candid and unflinching, deeply personal and sensitive, this is the perfect book for anyone, young or old, wanting to learn more about the Holocaust and why we must never forget – especially as the last surviving witnesses are lost to us.
Leanne Edimistone, Courier Mail
Now 94, Fried’s largeness of spirit emanates from every considered response to even the most confronting questions asked of her. One senses that her replies are not only educative but therapeutic, especially for young people grappling with their own questions about the meaning of life. While most of her experiences of this period are inescapably dark, there were moments of light that assumed enormous significance.
Fiona Capp, The Saturday Age
Fried was 19 when she and her family were sent from Hungary to Auschwitz. Her parents were murdered, but she and her sister survived. They both made a home in Sweden and, ever since, Fried, now 94, has talked to students about her experiences. This slim but powerful volume, sensitively translated by Alice Olsson, comprises answers to the questions she is most frequently asked, such as: “Why did you not fight back?” and “What helped you to survive?”, “Are you able to forgive?” Fried answers with humanity, candour and thoughtfulness in a book that should be required reading for all young people.
Hannah Beckerman, The Guardian
This is terrific in that I was utterly engrossed in not only what questions are asked of Hedi but the astute and depthful way she answers them. I began to read the other evening and went all the way to the end before putting this book down. It’s also potent in the ways our author touches on current issues with how we treat ‘others’ as to how we become divided and in worst case hurtful to those unlike ourselves. a big thumbs up and NOT just for the younger generation!
Sheryl Cotleur, Copperfield’s Books
Through questions she has been asked most, Questions I Am Asked About The Holocaust is a stoically raw and deeply human account of the author’s experiences throughout the Holocaust and surviving Auschwitz. An important, wise, and extremely powerful book.
Amanda Zirn Hudson, Bethany Beach Books
While Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust is very easy to read, the questions it raises are very hard to answer. Fried, in simple, straightforward prose, answers questions that children have asked her about her experiences. A must-have for parents, but be prepared to answer some hard questions yourself.
Lee Virden Geurkink, Monkey and Dog Books
It’s the straightforwardness of the book – and the fact that Fried is so candid in her answers – that makes this book so important.
Shelly Gare, The Sydney Institute
[S]ince these questions come from children, they quickly reach a level of intimacy that most adults would be afraid to venture into ... Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust is a collection of Hédi's gentle, honest answers to these questions over the years. With sensitivity and complete candour, Fried answers these questions and more in this deeply human book that urges us never to forget and never to repeat.
The Jewish Standard, Ontario
Honest and insightful.
Ellen Langmead, History Teachers’ Association of Victoria
philoundphie's review against another edition
5.0
‚Fragen, die mir zum Holocaust gestellt werden‘ von Hédi Fried (übersetzt von Susanne Dahmann) ist vermutlich das wichtigste Buch, das ich seit langem gelesen habe…
Ich muss gestehen, dass ich nach dem Abi lange Zeit einen Bogen um alles gemacht habe, was mit dem Holocaust zu tun hatte. So schlimm ich es auch heute finde, das so zu sagen, aber ich fühlte mich „übersättigt“. Ich wollte mehr über andere Jahrzehnte und Jahrhunderte erfahren, die 30er und 40er Jahre des letzten Jahrhundert blendete ich dabei größtenteils aus.
Aber natürlich ist es so unglaublich wichtig, diese Zeit nicht in Vergessenheit geraten zu lassen. Und dieses Buch, in dem Hédi Fried, wie der Titel ja bereits unmissverständlich ausdrückt, Fragen beantwortet, die ihr zum Holocaust gestellt werden, war daher für mich ein guter Wiedereinstieg in das Thema.
Fragen wie „Wie war es, im Lager zu leben?“, „Wie sind Sie mit Ihren Traumata umgegangen?“ und „Könnte es wieder passieren?“ beantwortet sie relativ kurz und knapp (das Buch hat weniger als 150 Seiten), aber sehr verständlich und eingängig. Auch ungewöhnlichere Fragen finden ihren Platz, z.B. „Wie war es, seine Tage zu haben?“ und „Haben Sie nachts geträumt?“.
Meine Kinder werden diese Fragen nicht mehr stellen können und gerade deshalb ist es einerseits wichtig, dass es solche Zeugnisse der damaligen Zeit weiterhin geben wird. Und andererseits ist es unsere Aufgaben, diese Zeitzeugenberichte zu verstehen, zu verinnerlichen und an die folgenden Generationen weiterzutragen.
Ich muss gestehen, dass ich nach dem Abi lange Zeit einen Bogen um alles gemacht habe, was mit dem Holocaust zu tun hatte. So schlimm ich es auch heute finde, das so zu sagen, aber ich fühlte mich „übersättigt“. Ich wollte mehr über andere Jahrzehnte und Jahrhunderte erfahren, die 30er und 40er Jahre des letzten Jahrhundert blendete ich dabei größtenteils aus.
Aber natürlich ist es so unglaublich wichtig, diese Zeit nicht in Vergessenheit geraten zu lassen. Und dieses Buch, in dem Hédi Fried, wie der Titel ja bereits unmissverständlich ausdrückt, Fragen beantwortet, die ihr zum Holocaust gestellt werden, war daher für mich ein guter Wiedereinstieg in das Thema.
Fragen wie „Wie war es, im Lager zu leben?“, „Wie sind Sie mit Ihren Traumata umgegangen?“ und „Könnte es wieder passieren?“ beantwortet sie relativ kurz und knapp (das Buch hat weniger als 150 Seiten), aber sehr verständlich und eingängig. Auch ungewöhnlichere Fragen finden ihren Platz, z.B. „Wie war es, seine Tage zu haben?“ und „Haben Sie nachts geträumt?“.
Meine Kinder werden diese Fragen nicht mehr stellen können und gerade deshalb ist es einerseits wichtig, dass es solche Zeugnisse der damaligen Zeit weiterhin geben wird. Und andererseits ist es unsere Aufgaben, diese Zeitzeugenberichte zu verstehen, zu verinnerlichen und an die folgenden Generationen weiterzutragen.