A review by that_reader_naomi
The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe

4.0

This was a well-written blend of a  history and fiction. The fiction included was well purposed to fill in spaces and provide further understanding. At times I was unsure if the omniscient perspective was beneficial to Dita’s story and I though it may even detract from it. Despite being difficult to read, towards the end I began to see how it reflected the necessity to understand how large of a scope these atrocities happened, and the connections between individuals. Also, the themes and personal messages about bravery, faith, storytelling, etc. the reader can gather from this book were well delivered.
I don’t know if it was the translation that was lacking or that Iturbe took on a little more than he could manage, but I do retain some sceptism about fiction regarding the Holocaust. This book may have benighted from being as true to the personal story as possible, without the fictional additions. 
That being said, this is one of the most difficult books I’ve read, but despite some shortcomings, I still believe it was worth my time.
✡️