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stumpnugget's review against another edition
5.0
"You are lucky mother. If only I could be certain that someday my children would be standing on my grave."
I have read at least 10 Holocaust memoirs and although all of them tell very similar stories (idyllic pre-war life, initial occupation, hope and belief that the war will end soon, initial forced emigration, hardships of camp, summary executions, horrors of forced marches through snow, etc) I keep reading them because they are all special. The circumstances of each story may be similar, but each individual author struggles against despair in his or her own way. Each approaches reintegration into normal life uniquely too.
One of the things that made this book so special was the post-liberation narrative (including the wonderful epilogue written in 1994) about Gerda forging new relationships and developing her new life. I'm so glad that she didn't stop writing when she came to the end of the war. I can't say too much without spoiling, but I will say that I shed a few man-tears as her post-war drama unfolded.
This was a gripping book that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in reading about such things.
I have read at least 10 Holocaust memoirs and although all of them tell very similar stories (idyllic pre-war life, initial occupation, hope and belief that the war will end soon, initial forced emigration, hardships of camp, summary executions, horrors of forced marches through snow, etc) I keep reading them because they are all special. The circumstances of each story may be similar, but each individual author struggles against despair in his or her own way. Each approaches reintegration into normal life uniquely too.
One of the things that made this book so special was the post-liberation narrative (including the wonderful epilogue written in 1994) about Gerda forging new relationships and developing her new life. I'm so glad that she didn't stop writing when she came to the end of the war. I can't say too much without spoiling, but I will say that I shed a few man-tears as her post-war drama unfolded.
This was a gripping book that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in reading about such things.
ripsquishy19's review against another edition
5.0
my dad gave me an autographed copy of this book, & it remains one of my favorite books. it's a true story of hope & love.
tallicagrrl81's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
kindertchr's review against another edition
5.0
sad, insightful look on a jewish family as the war approaches and slowly takes away her family.
elles_belles_29's review
Only not rating because I don’t think it’s right but gosh was this book so beautifully written about the tragedy’s that so many people faced.