Reviews (2)

Bibilical Cartagraphy & History - a Decent reference book
"Atlas of the Bible" is filled with maps aplenty, photographs of archealogical sites, and some cut away illustrations that would make Richard Scary proud. As a reference - particularly for school reports - it's pretty good. It includes people/animals/currency of the bible and a gazeteer in the back (a sort of dictionary with everything from short biographies to a list of books in the bible).

It's probably a little dry for yonger kids - in part, because the land isn't quite as interesting as the people; and also, because the layout has some pages reading like one very long paragraph (though I'm sure this was done to allow room for more pics, but it's not easy on the eyes).

It's not as successful as its Reader's Digest companion, "Who's Who in the Bible", but if you hunger for more (particularly the "when" and "where") this makes a good addition. 4 stars for content; -1 for layout.

Clearly presented and practical guide to the scriptures
A valuable addendum to general reference. Excellently presented, as with most Readers Digest products. The ideal companion book to this is the wonderful "THE Autobiography of Jesus of Nazareth and the Missing Years" by Richard G. Patton. Readers digest shows you where the Master walked, Patton shows you exactly who left the footprints! ... Read more

Book Description

"From its opening pages, in which she recounts her own premature birth, triggered by terrifying rumors of an incipient pogrom, Bernstein's tale is clearly not a typical memoir of the Holocaust. She was born into a large family in rural Romania...and grew up feisty and willing to fight back physically against anti-Semitism from other schoolchildren. She defied her father's orders to turn down a scholarship that took her to Bucharest, and got herself expelled from that school when she responded to a priest/teacher's vicious diatribe against the Jews by hurling a bottle of ink at him...After a series of incidents that ranged from dramatic escapes to a year in a forced labor detachment, Sara ended up in Ravensbruck, a women's concentration camp, [and] managed to survive...she tells this story with style and power." -Kirkus Reviews

"There are many recent accounts of Holocaust victims, but this work stands alone as a testimony to personal strength and an independent spirit." -Library Journal

"Extraordinary." -Booklist

"An engrossing history lesson as well as an important archive." -Faye Kellerman
"Well-told...deserves a prominent place in the archive of Holocaust survival stories." -Publishers Weekly

"One of the best of the recent wave of Holocaust memoirs"(Kirkus Reviews)

--An ALA choice for the Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, and the second-place winner in the General Trade Nonfiction category at the New York Book Show
--Includes an introduction by Edgar M. Bronfman
--Written by a strong woman with a colorful and unusual story to tell, this book is a standout in a popular subgenre of the memoir form ... Read more

Reviews (30)

A Review of The Seamstress
My fathers family from Romanian perished in the Holocaust and I was curious about the history of the Romanian Jews which is why I chose this book. I read it in four days. Seren is the type of person you will never forget. It was her courage and the loyalty she had to her sister Esther and to Ellen and Lily that kept them alive. It is told in a very straight forward manner and Seren never glosses over the facts. I am aamzed that she was able to survive the camps and the trainride near the end of the book and that she continued to use that strength to get her past the war and to her married life and a mother to her children. I highly recommend this book, and not just to those of a Jewish heritage but to anyone because of the inspiration I found in this book. Seren Tuvel is a woman I would have been honored to know.

One of the finest books I've read in some time.
The Seamstress is a spellbinding book, and is certainly unlike other books about the Holocaust. A moving posthumous memoir, this book should make everyone's "must-read" list. The author tells her remarkable and unusual story with grace and power. She was a rural Romanian Jewish woman born at the time of the rise of the Nazis and virulent anti-Semitism in early part of the 20th century. This book reminds us of the importance not only of courage itself, but how courage combined with other strengths can permit us to survive (if not always overcome) evil. A fine, fine book.

Captivating Memoir
In the early 1030s, as Hitler grasped his power tightly; the Jews began to be treated very unfairly. For years they had been considered "dirty", but their lives were about to become miserable. During the 1930s many Jews and others who would have hurt the Nazi beliefs, like homosexuals, Jehovah's Witness believers, and other "criminals", were put into concentration camps and basically not allowed to live.
The story of Seren Tuvel, a young, Jewish woman, is a story of courage and will to survive. Seren was always different from her family, for she had no intention of staying in the home her whole life. She left her family behind in a village in Romania and moved to Budapest to study while she was still a young teenager. In school, Seren was teased for being a Jew, though she did not look like a Jew. Seren had long, blonde hair and blue eyes, just like anyone native to the land she was living. When she was in Budapest, she quit school and became a seamstress. Soon, as Germany gained power, the Nazis slowly crept into her life, taking away her rights and some of her dignity, just because she was Jewish. It was not difficult for her to find jobs, like it was for other Jews, because Seren looked like a Gentile. As the war in Europe went on, her family dispersed to different places, like Israel or to different cities in Romania and Hungary, but the Jews soon would not be able to travel. Before long, Jewish men were taken into the labor force to support Hungary. Only weeks after that, the women were also forced to help support their enemy. Seren, her sister, and two friends met up at this point and would stay together to survive. They went through the work camps, leaning on each other for survival.
Seren Tuvel must have known how important her story of courage was, because just years after moving to America, she began to write her story. Seren (Sara) Tuvel-Bernstein wrote her memoir magnificently. Her leadership, love, and devotion to her loved ones, were revealed in such a precious manner that the reader cannot help but love her. Seren wrote, "I felt completely responsible for these three young girls[Seren's sister and two friends]; to me we were all sisters. I had to do everything in my power to enable us to remain alive." She revealed the truth in her own perspective and still showed some of the perspectives of the others around her, for example what her family and friends though of the events that had been happening.
A great strength shone through the book as Seren told the readers exactly what she had been through, although all of what she said was her interpretation of the event. She confessed her feelings about people, even a man named Samuel, with whom she did not have the feelings that he had for her. After he had told her his feelings and she told him something that made him very happy she wrote, "What in the world have I let myself in for now?" Seren let Samuel think that she had the same feelings for him, while, really, she had no intention of settling down with anyone. There were other instances where Seren told the reader her thoughts during all the horrible events in her life that she had not told many other people. Writing those confessions gave her memoir a strong truth and power.
Although Seren expressed how she felt easily, the people around her, especially the family members, were not well depicted. Two very important family members, her sisters Esther and Zipporah were some of the members that were somewhat confusing. Those two people were not easily recognizable in the beginning. Once the sisters got their share of being alone with Seren, they got their own distinct voice. They each should have gotten that closer to the beginning of the story.
The memoir of such a great survivor during the Holocaust is a fantastic book to read. A reader will see what Seren Tuvel and the other Jews went through and get close to really getting to know the author. Seren does not get gory and give too many horrifying details of anything that happened, but the readers see enough to really feel what the prisoners of the Nazis went through. The story is absolutely amazing! It is not fast-paced, but Seren keeps the reader hooked and shows what her life was like.

Captivating
Like others, I could not put this book down. Seren's story was captivating--she was incredibly strong in the face of horror. The fact that she was not German and explains what happened to the Jews in Eastern Europe gave me a perspective I have not had. And, like other reviewers, I found her lack of bitterness amazing. This was the first Holocaust book I've read which made me understand that people had no idea what happened to members of their families. I knew it before; this time I felt it.

Heartwrenching!
I read it in one sitting. This book really touched me as no other has. I'm a 'tough guy', but sobbed like a baby at one particular point...but I won't give it away! I've collected some great WWII biographies, and this one tops the list. ... Read more

Book Description

With the raw emotion of The Diary of Anne Frank, Mona Golabek's powerful memoir is a poignant story of tragedy and triumph in a time of war.Famed concert pianist Mona Golabek shares the inspirational true story of her mother's escape from pre-World War II Vienna to an orphanage in London--243 Willesden Lane. "The music will give you strength...it will be your best friend in life." With these words--the last she would ever hear from her mother--ringing in her ears, young piano prodigy Lisa Jura boarded the Kindertransport and headed for safety. Amidst the dozens of Jewish refugees trying to make their way in war-torn London, Lisa forms indelible friendships, finds romance, and, against all odds, wins a scholarship to study piano at the Royal Academy of London. This is a stunning testament to the power of music to lift the human spirit and to grant the soul endurance, patience, and peace. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Truly Inspirational
The Children of Willesden Lane is a compelling story about a Jewish girl growing up in a country overtaken by Hitler during World War Two. The Jura family, being allowed to send only one child to England on the Kindertransport, sent Lisa knowing that her musical talent would ensure her survival. When all is going wrong, and it seems as though she has nothing left to hold on to, Lisa lets all her feelings go through her music and holds on to her abilities.
This book never let me take my own musical talents for granted. Being a pianist myself, I have learned to really appreciate music for all it is worth. Many books have slow beginnings, but The Children of Willesden Lane was full of excitement from beginning to end. I recommed this book to anyone with any kind of passion. Through this book you will see what can come of your talents, no matter what is going on around you in your life. It will most certainly help you to fully understand the amazing power of music.

Inspiring
In The Children Of Willesden Lane, Mona Golabek writes an inspiring story about her mother's experiences through the rough times of the Holocaust. She tells a beautiful story about her mother's love for music. Ever since she was a little girl, growing up in Vienna, she has always had a passion for music. She has always dreamed of playing in concerts. At thirteen, Lisa Jura is put on a train to a camp separated from her family. With a numbered tag around her neck, Lisa can only think of the difficult times ahead of her. After a long journey, Lisa finally gets settled in one place, 243 Willesden Lane. There are many children that she is introduced to. Lisa tries to forget about the war and the separation of her and her family. Instead she enjoys precious moments with many of her friends and a guy she has started a relationship and loves very much. At this house, Lisa is able to do what she loves the most, plaing the piano. She has not forgotten about her music and the promise she made to her mother.Lisa plays and practices her music everyday bringing joy and happiness to the children on Willesden Lane. Her music truly lifts the spirits of everyone. Soon Lisa is given an exceptional musical opportunity. She soon begins to realize she is doing what her mother had always wished for her. She knew she was making her mother very proud because after eveything she has gone through she keeps her music. This book is extemley inspiring and well-written. It is moving and teaches important lessons in life.

An Inspiring Tale of Courage and Love
The Children of Willseden Lane is a motivational piece of literature about a young woman, Lisa, who dared to dream and made that dream a reality.Her daughter, Mona Golabek, wrote this memoir on her mother's wondrous gift of playing the piano.Lisa spent all her life in Vienna, Austria before the Nazis invaded causing her to be sent to London on the Kindertransport leaving her heartbroken parents and two sisters behind.She was sent to a hostel on Willesden Lane where she lived with thirty other Jewish children for the duration of World War II.She felt a sense of comfort right away because these children were dealing with the same loneliness, and Lisa became part of the big family.The would have a special bond which would stay with all of them forever because they would spend most nights huddled together in a bomb shelter fleeing the late night bombings.As soon as her matron, Ms. Cohen, realized that she had a prodigy living under her roof, she did everything in her power to help Lisa achieve her goal.Before long, everyone in the hostel was encouraging her to become a pianist and begged her to play for them every night after dinner.After much hard work, Lisa was accepted into an elite music school, which proved that anything was possible.The children became motivated and were given a sense of hope that they too could "make something of themselves".After the war was over, she was reunited with her two sisters and learned that her parents were sent to a death camp.Lisa became even more motivated to continue with her musical talents so that she would always play for her mother as a tribute for their shared love of music.

The Children of Willesden Lane: A Story for Children
To be young, beautiful and talented: It is a dream held by most young women. But for Lisa Jura, a 14 year-old jewish girl living in a Hitler-dominated Germany, it isn't a dream. Her talent for the pianoforte and her beauty became a tool for survival. At fourteen, Lisa has already experienced more than her peers, and has seen enough to make any adult cringe. When her parents arranged for her, and only her, to travel to England aboard the Kindertransport because of her ability, the reader finds it hard to believe that she remained mentally stable. This is mainly due to the fact that she is an actual person, and she survived to tell her story. The simple and straightforward "Children of Willesden Lane" is authored by Lisa Jura's daughter, who felt inspired enough to write a 272-page account of the child refugee's life-changing stay in London during World War II. However, the simple prose was a far cry from this reviewer's previously read novels such as "The Scarlet Letter". Miss Golabeck's account of her mother's life is most likely suited for a younger audience because of its simplistic diction. That's not to say that the story wasn't compelling, because it was a very heart-warming story and will be recomended to all who need a break from the Hawthorne's out there.

New point of view
What a wonderful, touching, inspiring story.I appreciate this book for a number of reasons.It's the first story I've read concerning a Jewish child who was not put through a concentration camp.I was intrigued to see what her life was like in England, how they worked and lived, and how so many people were so helpful and went out of their way to save these children.It's easy reading and would also be great for a younger child since it doesn't contain any violence. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

The dramatic story of the rescue of a Jewish leader during World War II—and the German-Jewish soldier who led the mission

When Hitler invaded Warsaw in the fall of 1939, hundreds of thousands of civilians—many of them Jewish—were trapped in the besieged city. The Rebbe Joseph Schneersohn, the leader of the ultra-orthodox Lubavitcher Jews, was among them. Followers throughout the world were filled with anguish, unable to confirm whether he was alive or dead. Working with officials in the United States government, a group of American Jews initiated what would ultimately become one of the strangest—and most miraculous—rescues of World War II.

The escape of Rebbe Schneersohn from Warsaw has been the subject of speculation for decades. Historian Bryan Mark Rigg has now uncovered the true story of the rescue, which was propelled by a secret collaboration between American officials and leaders of German military intelligence. Amid the fog of war, a small group of dedicated German soldiers located the Rebbe and protected him from suspicious Nazis as they fled the city together. During the course of the mission, the Rebbe learned the shocking truth about the leader of the rescue operation, the decorated Wehrmacht soldier Ernst Bloch: he was himself half-Jewish, and a victim of the rising tide of German antisemitism.

A harrowing story about identity and moral responsibility, Rescued from the Reich is also a riveting narrative history of one of the most extraordinary rescue missions of World War II.



Bryan Mark Rigg teaches history at American Military University and Southern Methodist University. His previous book, Hitler’s Jewish Soldiers: The Untold Story of Nazi Racial Laws and Men of Jewish Descent in the German Military won the prestigious Colby Award from the William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium. His work has been featured on programs including NBC Dateline and Fox News. Rigg served as a volunteer in the Israeli Army and as an officer in the U. S. Marine Corps, and he currently lives in Dallas, Texas.


A Conversation With Bryan Mark Rigg

Q: What makes the story of Rebbe Schneersohn’s rescue from Warsaw so extraordinary?
A: This is a unique case in which the American government collaborated with the Nazis to rescue one of the most ultra-orthodox Jewish rabbis in the world at the time. This story is about how these unlikely bedfellows came together to save some Jewish lives at a very particular point early in the war. A few months later this rescue almost certainly could not have occurred.
Q: For many years, the Lubavitchers had heard stories that the Rebbe was rescued by a German Jew. How did you uncover the facts to prove that this was true?
A: The Lubavitchers had believed that Ernst Bloch, the leader of the rescue mission, was a Jew concealing himself in a German military uniform, or better yet, an angel sent by God to rescue their leader. Even the few history books that mention Bloch reveal little about his background. Working with archives and a great many interviews with family members, I was able to uncover the story of Bloch’s Jewish ancestry—which was known to his supervisors in the military and which was almost certainly part of the reason he was chosen for this mission.
Q: In what ways does this story make us rethink conventional wisdom about the Holocaust?
A: It complicates our understanding of the Holocaust, both in American and European history. The American government, which was painfully intransigent on immigration policy during this period, was able to assist in rescuing Jews from Hitler’s Europe when pressed hard enough. More importantly, perhaps, this story complicates our understanding of the Third Reich. Bloch was surrounded by men like himself—partially Jewish, but serving proudly in the German military. They were secular for the most part—in fact, Bloch had recently been officially “aryanized” by Hitler— but they were by no means anti-semitic. One of the things I try to understand in this book is how morally and emotionally complicated military service must have been for men like Bloch.
... Read more

Book Description

This riveting memoir, a primary source for the NBC miniseries Uprising, tells the story of the Jewish resistance fighters in the Warsaw Ghetto who defy the Nazis against impossible odds. Kazik (played by Stephen Moyer in the film) and his fellow Jews smuggle in arms and explosives, perform acts of resistance, hold off the Nazi army for almost a month, and rescue the few surviving Jews after the Ghetto is destroyed. Kazik spends the rest of the war helping Jews who still remain in Warsaw, joining the Poles during their ill-fated uprising against the Nazis, and assisting the Polish underground. This shattering tale of courage will change forever the image of how Jews fought and survived during the Holocaust. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

touching and powerful
Being a decendant of a Holocaust survivor and also a Warsaw Ghetto survivor this book brough to life the pain struggle and courage that they all went through. This is one of the best books i have ever read and i would recomend it to anyone

This is a great book
A terrific true story of one of the few survivors of the ZOB (Jewish Fighting Organization) It is very vividly told and I suggest you get it too. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

And you thought you had it tough...
My girlfriend and I had the good fortune of meeting Mr. Faber at a recent book signing. Seconds after introducing himself, he is ready to pull up his shirt sleeve to show you a grim reminder of his past. His arm still bears the numbers, forcibly tattooed on him by the Nazi regime. He then pulls open his book, lovingly pointing to his mother and sisters. With a soft break in his voice, he then describes the moment he found them lifeless, piled on top of one another.

We bought several copies... and have come back to purchase more.

The book does not disappoint, written in a narrative format that is easy to follow and gripping to read. His work leads you down the path of brutal history, following his family as they are forced into slave labor, rounded up into Ghettos, and then ritualistically hunted by the Nazis. He makes a pact with his mother to survive the horrors, and through it all, he somehow does. Reading the book, you realize that he had a higher purpose in life, educating future generations about the atrocities that no man or woman should have to endure.

After meeting the man and understanding his past, one can only thank God Mr. Faber lived to tell his story. It will change you forever.

Excellent
I have a had the privilege of not only reading Mr. Faber's book, "Because of Romek", I also had the great privilege of meeting him in person and discussing his heart wrenching experiences. Once you start reading his book you won't want to put in down! On several occasions, I had to stop and remind myself THIS IS A TRUE story! To read what it was like first hand from Mr. Faber, a Holocaust survivor, was to say at the very least, enlightning! It is so very hard to believe that another human being could treat another human in such a horrible way.

As a police officer, I have experienced some terrible things in my 20+ years, but I don't believe any of them could come close to comparison with Mr. Faber's experiences. My deepest respect and admiration go to you, Mr. Faber!

I thank you for sharing these very personal thoughts and experiences with us! You have definately given me a new perspective on life and how fragile life can be!

A whole new outlook on life
Before Mr. Faber came to Eagleview Middle School to explain his horrible past, I used to think differently of the Holocaust. My Social Studies teacher Mr. Perfors taught us about the Holocaust, although I couldn't get a clear picture. That was until Mr. Faber came to talk to us. The details from his story made me feel as if I was there, although no one could have gone through as much pain as Mr. Faber. It was an honor to hear of his experience after what he went through. It takes a strong willed person to go through what he went through and to continue to live with the pain and to tell others of his past. I had a very different outlook on life after reading Mr. Faber's book. I am grateful to live in a country where there is freedom of religion and one's opinions and not being tortured. Mr. Faber's book (Because of romek) is higher than a 5!

David Faber
At school last year, David Faber came to our school and talked to us about his book and his experience. I have not actually READ the book, but hearing his story first hand definitely had a huge impact on me.

A memory not forgotton
David Faber book was the most outstanding story I had ever read. By reading this book made me realize that I live one of the greatest years in history. David has been my encouragement to live without hated to someone who has done wrong. One of the parts in this reading that touched the inside of my heart was when he described the killing of his parents, brother and sisters. The way that I found this book was through my cousin, she said that she will never forget the suffering and hatred that Germans had towards the Jewish people. I recommend all teens to read 'Because of Romek' this book would make them realize that now we have the greatest opportunities in life. I encourage my comrades at school to read this book; they would see the world differently as we see it now. I would like to meet Mr. Faber someday. I give this book five stars. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

An informative and quite useful book
Unlike one reviewer on this site, I found this book to be a delightful read, and especially appropriate for teenage Jewish readers. This is not heavy reading, rather this is bedtime reading that is both informative ("Did you know so-and-so was Jewish?") and on occasion thought-provoking. Far from being anti-Jewish, as has been implied, I found the book to provoke pride in one's Judaism. And the lighter touches (about the Jewish origins of the inventors of Superman, for example) are much appreciated.

INFLUENTIAL MINDS
Shapiro's broad sweeping work contains rankings of those whom he considers the top 100 Jewish thinkers and movers of western civilization. His book is not designed to be a detailed analysis of these lives but instead, a snap shot commentary on how each individual impacted their area of expertise that influenced their Jewish community and the world. The rankings of course are subjective and arbitrary and are not that helpful as to why one person's contributions is ranked higher than another.

One must remember that this work is not an intellectual tome but a nice easy to read book to see who's who in the Jewish world. This work contains many flaws and arouses some serious questions.

1. Very few women are contained in the book. Are we to assume that Jewish women on the whole had very little impact in the western world?

2. Shapiro is a great apologist for Christianity as he glosses over the negative impact of that religion upon Judism. Granted Jesus, Mary, Saul and Judas were Jews but the religion that was spawned from them resulted in a negative impact on Jews world wide. Christians baited Jews as Christ killers, forced conversions upon Jews (inquisition) and through their silence allowed the extermination of 6 million Jews.

3. One of the most important questions is how does one determine who is a Jew? Although many of the names are famous, some were of mixed marriages ( Proust, Bohr, etc.) where Judism was absent in their lives and they converted to Christianity. Also included were those who denied their heritage or were non-practicing. Should they have been included regardless of their Jewish background?

In any case this book is a good resource book for young teenagers, young adults and other people who wasnt a broad survey of Jews who impacted upon western civilization

A Book that is Not About Jews
From the title of the book you think the book is about Jews, however the author puts the Jews he is referencing to down, or he compares them to Jesus. I thought I was getting a book on great Jews. For example the author would talk about Moses, then make comments about Jesus totally for no reason unless he is a "Jew for Jesus". I really do not understand the author's motive, but I learned that you can not judge a book by its cover.

GREAT LIST ON A GREAT PEOPLE...
Well, objectively speaking, I must say I think Jesus had quite a greater impact on history than Moses, but we won't quibble: they're both awesome figures by anyone's measure. I recommend this book to all Jews & Gentiles who need to think through the tremendous contributions of the Hebrew race to all areas of human civilization. I can easily conclude, after going through this remarkable list, that some "special blessing" rests upon the children of Israel. May their tribe increase forever.

Len Hummel (a Gentile Judeo-Christian) ... Read more

Book Description

Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) was one of the most important philosophers of all time; he was also arguably the most radical and controversial. This is the first complete biography of Spinoza in any language and is based on detailed archival research. More than simply recounting the story of Spinoza's life, the book takes the reader right into the heart of Jewish Amsterdam in the seventeenth century and, with Spinoza's exile from Judaism, right into the midst of the tumultuous political, social, intellectual and religious world of the young Dutch Republic. Though the book will be an invaluable resource for philosophers, historians, and scholars of Jewish thought, it has been written for any member of the general reading public with a serious interest in philosophy, Jewish history, seventeenth-century European history, and the culture of the Dutch Golden Age. Spinoza:A Life has recently been awarded the Koret Jewish Book Award. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Truly about his life
I needed a book that was telling me about the time and person Spinoza and not about his philosophy. Thats exactly what I founded in this book, and that why it is so we'll to read. It does however not only tell you about Spinoza but also a big deal about the Portugese Jewish community that was living in Amsterdam at that time. ...

Nadler is surely taking everything out of the closet to tell us the real story of this great man, that passed away from us after only to have been here 45 years, ot with other words way to short. However are there only a few more persons that were more controversial and radical than he was.

A Biography of a Great Philosopher
Benedict Spinoza (1632-1677) is one of the most influential philosophers in history. As a young man, her was excommunicated by the elders of the Jewish community in Amsterdam and subsequently came to be regarded by some as a "secular saint" and by others as an infamous atheist. Although there are many legends and myths about Spinoza's life, there has been no extended biography in English until Nadler's study. In fact, outside of brief accounts written shortly after Spinoza's death, this book is probably the first extended treatment of Spinoza's life in any language.

Given the scarcity of biographical information, Nadler does an excellent job in placing Spinoza's life in historical context. He discusses in detail how the Jewish community in Amsterdam became established, precariously, by immigrants from the Inquistion in Spain and Portugal. He describes the efforts the Jewish community made to win acceptance in Amsterday, the place of Spinoza's family in the Jewish community, and the rabbis and leaders of the community. Some of this material is well-known, others of it is less so. It is all valuable to getting to understand Spinoza.

There is a great deal of discussion of the history of the Dutch republic in Spinoza's time. Nadler's discussion includes both internal affairs (the tension between those who wanted a powerful monarch and those who wanted republican institutions) and the complex foreign wars and shifting alliances of the Netherlands during Spinoza's time. I never could make sense of this material before, but Nadler has discussed it well and in sufficient detail to provide a good backround in understanding Spinoza's political ideas.

Nadler's book is not itself a philosophical study. But he treats carefully and instructively the origin of Spinoza's works and he summarizes their complex ideas well. He does not limit his discussion to the Ethics. Instead, Nadler spends a great deal of time on the Theological-Political Treatise which he rightly views as a neglected masterpiece complementary to the Ethics. There are also good discussions of Spinoza's unfinished "Hebrew Grammar" and, particularly, of the Epistles, as well as of his other works.

Nadler has a good sense of Spinoza's naturalism encompassed be the famous phrase "deus, siva natura". He gives the reader a good feel for the revolutionary nature of Spinoza's thought and shows how and why Spinoza departed from the traditional religious belief of his day.

Nadler is a careful in his use of sources. He tells the reader what evidence from a record both complex and sparse he accepts, what he doubts, and why. When Nadler draws a conclusion that goes beyond the available evidence, he tells the reader that he has done so and why he has done so. This is measured, careful writing about a figure Nadler obviously admires.

There is much creative detail in this book as Nadler draws on recent scholarship to cast light on Spinoza and his times. For example, he relies substantially on the report made to the Inquisition of a person who knew Spinoza in Amsterdam. He discusses the Sabatti Zvi incident (a false Jewish Messiah who appealed to many people during Spinoza's lifetime) and Spinoza's possible knowledge of it. The book rebukes the myth of Spinoza as a recluse. One of the strongest features of the book is its picture of Spinoza's intellectual circle and of his relationship to many friends.

The book doesn't include a critical analysis of Spinoza's thought. Such studies are legion and there still is much to say and learn. Also, the book doesn't discuss the reception and influence of Spinoza through the years. Again, this is beyond the scope of the book. The book is an excellent biography of a seminal figure in Western philosophy. I came away from the book with a increased understanding of and appreciation for Spinoza's life and thought.

Reviving a radical
This exemplary study of an early Enlightenment figure is a superb analytical narrative. Nadler's account of Baruch Spinoza will stand for some time as the best introduction of a man of his own times and far beyond. Spinoza's philosophy has been sadly overlooked by scholars. Nadler's diminutive title is almost an injustice to the scope of his efforts. Yet, it perfectly summarises what Nadler does - recounts a life without overwhelming us with lengthy analysis or idle speculation. He places Spinoza firmly in the social, political and philosophical realms marking the Enlightenment's beginnings. With clear presentation skills, Nadler takes us through the life and times of a man whose thinking was far in advance of his contemporaries. That Spinoza was reviled and condemned by church and state, yet avoided the martyrdom typical of Bruno, Galileo and others, attests to his perception and behavioural qualities.

Spinoza was the descendent of one of the multitude of Jews driven from the Iberian Peninsula in the reign of the Catholic Monarchs credited with reconquering Spain from the Moors. Harassed by the Inquisition, many found refuge in the Calvinist Netherlands. Nadler shows how tolerance and dogma fought continuously in the Dutch Republic, reaching every facet of society. Politics and religion were deeply intertwined. Even a reclusive like Spinoza wasn't immune to the swaying fortunes of party politics. While the Dutch struggled for an independent existence surrounded by enemy states, Spinoza formulated his ideas on Nature and the role of the divine. He began these studies at an early age. Expressing them led to the most vehement statement of excommunication issued by the Amsterdam rabbinical leadership.
He spent the remainder of his life in near-seclusion, with occasional visits with friends and other thinkers. The time was spent in preparing what became his most significant work - The Ethics.

Spinoza, a deep scholar of Scripture and Nature, refused to countenance a human aspect for the deity. Instead, as Nadler explains, Spinoza merged the deity and Nature into one. Humans, he insisted, were merely part of the scheme, not something apart. To be good was part of the divine plan. Evil, while deplorable, was derived from natural causes. Evil should be controlled, it should not be condemned. The State must have a role, but it must be under the direction of an enlightened populace. He scorned Utopian ideas, but found much to admire in the Dutch Republic's scheme. To Spinoza, the worst aspect of Netherland politics was the intrusion of the Reformed Church in government affairs. Spinoza condemned all dogma and superstition - both being symbolic of the various churches, Christian or Jewish. He published but one major work in his lifetime. The Theological and Political Treatise was roundly condemned by most European theologians, who goaded the states to follow suit. There is a special irony in Spinoza escaping the martyrdom some suffered for lesser views. Instead, he appears to have perished from a combination of inherited susceptibility to respiratory ailments and inhaled dust from his lens grinding.

Nadler's account is sound scholarship presented confidently. There are no frills nor wild speculations. Where he tries to resolve an issue in question, he does it firmly and with good sources. Where evidence is lacking, and there is very little on Spinoza that can be considered reliable, he indicates this without apology. A good bibliography and a few illustrations grace the book. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

A biography full of history
It's hard to write a reliable biography of Baruch de Spinoza, which is probably why the effort has so rarely been attempted. Fortunately, Steven Nadler has given it a go. The result is as close to a definitive biography of Spinoza as we're likely to see for many years to come.

Naturally, much of the material on Spinoza himself is speculative (and clearly identified as such). But Nadler does a marvelous job of placing Spinoza into his historical context. The discussions of Dutch and Jewish history are fascinating in their own right, and Nadler's exposition of Jewish law is competent as well (a nice feature for obvious reasons). Moreover, Nadler doesn't hesitate to state his own opinions where the evidence warrants it, and more than once he speaks up against commonplace misconceptions that have crept into the "received account" of Spinoza's life.

I'm also very impressed by Nadler's transparent and engaging style. The art of expository prose is hardly noticed when it's done right, which is why I try to call attention to it whenever I encounter it. Nadler does it right. His sentences are well phrased and comfortably paced, and he doesn't obtrude himself with authorial tricks; he just tells the story clearly and well. This sounds easy and is not.

Be warned that, as other reviewers have noted, this is not (just) an intellectual biography of Spinoza. The narrative does cover the development of his philosophy, but in just enough depth to give the reader a sense of what it's about; for exposition of Spinozism, you'll want to read either Spinoza himself or Roger Scruton's little book on the subject. (Start with Scruton if you're new to Spinoza.)

Highly recommended to readers interested in Spinoza as well as to readers who simply enjoy a fine historical biography.

An excellent introduction to Spinoza
Spinoza is, admittedly, a difficult thinker. And a rare one, too.But, as he himself says, in the closing words of his great "Ethics", "all things excellent are as difficult as they are rare".Professor Nadler's book is scholarly sober and, at the same time, one feels thar he is genuinely passionated for his subject. To anyone interested in learning more about Spinoza and his philosophy, this book is the point where you should begin! ... Read more

Book Description

In My Hands began as one non-Jew’s challenge to any who would deny the Holocaust. Much like The Diary of Anne Frank, it has become a profound document of an individual’s heroism in the face of the greatest evil mankind has known.

In the fall of 1939 the Nazis invaded Irene Gut’s beloved Poland, ending her training as a nurse and thrusting the sixteen-year-old Catholic girl into a world of degradation that somehow gave her the strength to accomplish what amounted to miracles. Forced into the service of the German army, young Irene was able, due in part to her Aryan good looks, to use her position as a servant in an officers’ club to steal food and supplies (and even information overheard at the officers’ tables) for the Jews in the ghetto. She smuggled Jews out of the work camps, ultimately hiding a dozen people in the home of a Nazi major for whom she was housekeeper.

An important addition to the literature of human survival and heroism, In My Hands is further proof of why, in spite of everything, we must believe in the goodness of people.
... Read more

Reviews (50)

Truth is beauty
I have read many books about the Second World War, and the Holocaust. This is one of the best.For those who ever read Diary of A Young Girl by Anne Frank, and wondered what life might be like for a Gentile girl at the same time, this book answers that question.Irene Gut's strong faith, and loving family led her to make the right, if very difficult, choices.The contributions by Jennifer Armstrong are seamless, the true voice of Irene never falters.I have only a few slight quibbles. I wish that there had been more followup on Irene's post-war life, and on the post-war lives of those she saved.Irene Gut Opdyke's faith is as clearly presented as the late Corrie Ten Boom's (The Hiding Place), however, I found In My Hands to be a much more gratifying book.I deeply hope that this book becomes part of the standard curriculum in schools worldwide.However, adults who have any interest in the Second World War and the Holocaust will find this to be a well-written, encouraging book.

A True "Profile of Courage"
I am so grateful for having read this book. It was deeply moving. I am a seventeen year old girl, as Irene was when the war began, and I cannot even imagine having to experience all of things she did....being raped, a mistress, etc. I admire this woman so much, her courage and determination are one in a billion. It's incomprehensible to know what she went through during those dreadful years, yet through it all her faith is what helped her to survive. I will never forget this book for as long as live...I've read so many books, and I have to admit that I think this one has truly moved me the most. I've read many Holocaust stories as well, but this had a profound effect on me. Please read this book--you'll gain not only a better insight of World War II and the Holocaust, but also how to appreciate life more and realize how much you take for granted.

Awesome
I just finished listening to this book on tape. It was extremely well done from Irene's recollection of events. The Holocaust was an atrocity to society, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't study the topic. Hitler and his regime need to be understood to prevent similar occurences in the future. I can't image what she was going through during those times and I wonder how many of us could even begin to imagine her anguish.

AMAZING READ!
This book was awesome! I've read it numerous times and each time it gets me hooked. The plot is heartwrenching and the bravery Irene shows is inspiring. Anyone interested in reading about WWII/Holocaust should read this book! You won't be disappointed!!

Irene Guts Memories of the Holocaust
I enjoyed this book very much. It gave me a better understanding of what the Holocaust was really all about. I couldn't believe some of the scenes that she described about what was happeing to the Jews. The courage of what Irene did to protect people that she didnt even know amazed me. She never gave up on herself and believed that one person could make a difference. I was touched by the way Germans could treat such innocent people and was amazed at the scenes that she described in the book. Irene knew what she was doing was right and the more she saw such behavior the more determined she became to fight. One of the things I did not like about this book was that they focused more on what was happening to her and the people she was protecting then all the Jews in general and what was really happening in the concentration camps. Also it was hard trying to follow up on what was happing in the war. I got confused on when they were being helped out by other forces or when Germany was in complete power. I also would have liked to hear more about Hitler and the evil that he aroused. Over all I believed this was a very good book to others interested in the Holocaust. ... Read more

Reviews (102)

A Great Book: First hand account of the Holocaust
The novel "Alicia" by, Alicia Appleman-Jurman, is about a girl trying to live as a Jew in Poland during World War Two. Alicia is happy. She lives with her mother, father, and four brothers. Everything is wonderful in her life, she goes to school, she has friends, and is surrounded by those who love her. When one of Alicia's brothers gets permission to go away to school in another city, no one thinks anything about it. When his letters start sounding odd, unlike the happy, bubbley, 17 year old boy, the family gets suspicious. Suddenly, there are no letters. He trys to come home, but is caught, and killed. Little things happen to almost everyone in Alicia's family, until its just her and her mother. With her father, and all four brothers dead, the world is a hard and lonely place for Alicia. Provideing food is getting hard. They are living on 1 slice of bread each, and maybe some sour milk or a quick drink from a stream, for all day long. When they finally think they war is over, come out of hiding, and try to live a normal life, tragity strikes again. Will Alicia ever be able to survive the war? Will her life ever be somewhat normal? I really enjoyed this book, and I think anyone who wants to get a first-hand account of the Holocaust, through a teenage girls eyes, should read "Alicia".

I will never forget this novel.
It started out quite innocently, seeing someone else reading the book and growing interested in the cover. I always read books about World War 2 because they moved me so and I learned so much. In comparison to so much other history, it is a much more recent event. I then went to buy the book, after all it was on a book list for school. I didn't know that after I read this book my life wouldn't quite be the same.Alicia was an extremely brave girl who risked her life to help others, even when she did not realize it. For years before 1939 she lived a perfect life. She had friends, a loving family, a nice home... but then it was taken away from her. She nearly lost her life many times, but continued to survive. She worked for food in the fields of Poland, making up stories, and struggling to get just one piece of bread for her mother. Soon, she looses everyone and she has to cope with the loss and continue to live. So many times I had to put this book down because tears were streaming down my cheeks. After reading this I have decided to do something to help humanity and to be courageous in that way like Alicia was. She is my hero and probably always will be. I will read this book for years to come.

amazing book
With her keen memory and talented writing, we are filled with terror and admiration in this highly detailed account of the author's tragic experiences. Well worth the read, we can only wonder if WE could be as strong in the face of such adversity, and after it was all over, could go on to build a new life without one's family as Alicia did. I have read many Holocaust biographies but this is one of the finest.

A book that should be in every library
"Alicia" was loaned to me by a lady at our church last Sunday. Although I had much to do this week involving my being out all day every day, I read through much of the nights, and have just finished the book this morning (Thursday). I am so grateful to the author for going through the agony of remembering her experiences of man's cruelty. I am an American living in England and am so glad that she knew kindness at the hands of my fellow countrymen. And I am so ashamed of the treatment meted out by the British, just when freedom was in sight.
As a Christian, I am deeply angry that so much of the pain suffered by Alicia and all the other Jews was carried out by people thought to be Christians. I hope she has by now discovered that there are many fake Christians around and that a true follower of the Lord Jesus would love and help her people. This very week many from our area are travelling up to London for a Saturday conference run by PFI - Prayer For Israel. The believers we know all have a heart for Israel and the Jewish people. Our Saviour was Jew, His mother was Jew and the apostles were all Jews.
Alicia has brought home to us the age old hatred of the Jewish people and the horror it can unleash. We all know about the Holocaust, but that is very different from hearing about the heart-breaking effects on one family.
I am ordering two copies of this book; one to keep and one to lend out. It is a most important book and should certainly be in every library, particularly every school library. Every generation must know what happened.
In the story of one young girl's desperate struggle for survival, we see the total evil of not only Naziism, but also Communism, and it becomes clear that the problem is evil in the heart of mankind, whatever label is pinned on it. Only a heart conversion to faith in Jesus could change the monsters we encounter in Alicia's book.
If Alicia should happen to still be alive and perhaps even read this review - thank you so much for writing your story. I am so glad you found refuge and love in my country.

A Young Girl's Journey of Life and Death
Thirteen year-old Alicia was living in Poland, when her and her family went through a brutal separation in 1942. Alicia escapes a terrifying and violent world, fleeing through fields and woods, meeting refugees, and sometimes manages to find safe hideout spots. Although Alicia has never experienced the death camps her self, she has lived in constant fear, and survives through pure luck and her sense of smartness. She sees her mother's brutal death, and endures physical and mental deprivation, but she manages to restore her faith in herself, God, and in her people. She eventually leads a group of Jewish survivors, who stay in Palestine.
One thing I disliked about this book was that when she and the other survivors finally reach their destination, Eretz Israel, they are sent to a camp called Caroalas. I mean come on now, haven't these people already suffered enough? Shouldn't they have enjoyed their freedom, instead of being put into another camp, which by the way I know that the British people only said that it was for their own goods. Even though that camp wasn't a camp ran by the evil Nazis, it was still a prison because it was holding those people in from being free.
One thing I liked about the book, was that Alicia never gave up. She would just go on saving other people's lives as well as trying to stay alive herself, all at the same time. She was a brave thirteen year-old, who had to go through things she shouldn't have to go through at that age. Alicia was a very courageous girl, and I'm just sad that I didn't get to met her like some of my friends have. I thought the book was very interesting, and as I was reading it, I felt the pain that Alicia felt, although I never experienced anything she went through, I was and still am clearly disgusted with everything the Nazis did to those poor people. This book has inspired me to read other books that deal with the Nazis, and World war 2, and I hope it has to other people as well. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

Israel's Thomas Paine
Herzl's writings and activity got the push for a Jewish State going. This pamplet is an overly optimistic approach to starting a new Jewish state circa just pre-1900. Very little of Herzl's ideas actually ever came about to fruition from what I understand about history, and its a good thing too, otherwise Israel would probably be communist today.

The further I read, the more sad I became as I considered how only something as horrible as the Holocaust could bring the Jewish population of the world back into their traditional land. However, Herzl's purpose was exactly to prevent persecution of the Jews. The only prophetic thing in this book was his speculation that some Jews would need to go through a little more suffering before they came around to the idea of a Jewish state. No one could contemplate the "Final Solution" however.

Herzl's Utopian-like ideas were interesting solutions to many problems the future nation of Israel would actually face.

You will learn something from this book if you are either a student of History or the Bible, but don't expect a short read.

**UPDATE**
I've upped the book an additional star after I've let it soak into me for a while. The pure historical importance of this document makes it a must read in today's troubled world. I've also thought about how Herzl just let his mind work through all the hoops of creating a new society from scratch, and admire him for putting it to paper.

An explication and delineation for the erection of Israel
This book is a must read for anyone interested in understanding the creation of Israel. 'The Jewish State' is written by Theodor Herzl who ultimately believed in the mass migration of the Jewish populace as the only means of survival and solution to the 'Jewish Problem.' Herzl recognized first-hand the increasingly belligerent and anti-semitic sentiments permeating throughout the world. Several locations were meticulously scouted and Palestine was chosen for its bibilical provenance.

Theodor Herzl was not originally a Zionist nor did he ponder the anti-semitic tendencies that was threatening to perpetually relegate the Jews to a proletariat class. When Herzl witnessed the Dreyfus Affair, it finally instilled in him irrefragable proof of everyday anti-semitic sentiments and how it had adversely infiltrated the lives of the Jewish people. Theodor Herzl ultimately came to realize that the 'homelessness of the Jewish people must come to an end' (17). In fact, Herzl later declares in this quasi-manifesto that it was the Dreyfus affair that made him a Zionist (35). He comes to believe that the 'Jewish masses must be organized for the support of the Zionist movement' (49). Additionally, he contends that the 'Jewish question is neither nationalistic nor religious. It is a social question' (31). The vim of this book is in how Herzl meticulously delineates a perennial solution to the Jewish problem. It's one thing to preach diplomacy, it's another to execute a vision.

In brevity, here is Herzl's plan: 'Let the sovereignty be granted us over a portion of the globe large enough to satisfy the rightful requirements of a nation; the rest we shall manage ourselves' (92). The conception of this plan was ambitious, the execution monumental in scope, laborious in labor, and I suspect the opposition was plentiful. Nevertheless, in spite of the skeptics and pessimists, a State was erected. An excellent read!

"The Shot Heard 'Round the World!"
"The Jewish State," was the means by which author, Theodor Herzl, rallied world Jewry to the cause of establishing a national homeland for his people. Published in 1896, this little pamphlet ignited age-old passions among Jews the world over and began the drive for the establishment of the first Jewish State in 2000 years. By doing so, Herzl set in motion events that monopolize the world's attention today.

In "The Jewish State," Herzl outlines the plan for establishing his state. In a logical, step-by-step process he defines how the land would be colonized, financed, and administered. Palestine and Argentina are suggested as possible sites. However, Palestine emerges clearly as the desired locale for spiritual and emotional reasons. Anyone trying to establish a state could use this pamphlet as a guide. Yasser Arafat should be given a copy!

Emerson said that American colonists fired, "the shot heard 'round the world," at Lexington and Concord. Herzl fired a similar shot by publishing "The Jewish State." He, no less than the colonists, started a revolution by his actions. Both ultimately achieved their goals of establishing a state for their peoples. However, America did not have to endure a Holocaust to facilitate an exodus to our shores; unfortunately, Israel did.

Today, the Jewish State exists in the form of modern Israel. Born out of controversy, this state exists as a prosperous, democratic entity, in the midst of numerically superior and extremely hostile Arab states. Jews have their home, but they have to fight daily to keep them. Is this what Herzl envisioned? Did he do the world a favor by establishing his state? The verdict is still out. One thing is clear. The roots of the current controversy that has American soldiers fighting in Afghanistan can be traced back to Israel, and Israel's roots can be traced to Herzl's pamphlet. Reading, "The Jewish State," is therefore essential to understanding current events. I strongly recommend it to any serious student of Middle Eastern affairs.

A prophecy book
This book is just fundamental for anyone who considers itself a zionist or is interested in zionism. Herzl, considered the "father" of Zionism, exposes his thoughts over the importance of creating a Jewish State.And he goes further, by explaning how this would be done.It's also interesting to know the ideas of a man that, with his politycal zionism, not only created theories but also became an activist of his own idea, leading the way to efective action for establishing the State of Israel.Maybe he was wrong in some ideas, like the "linguistic federation", but this doesn't take his credits.In this book you will understand why people talk so much about him.

A must for all interested in Zionism!
In response to the poor situation in which most European Jews lived, Herzl formulated his ideas on modern political Zionism. "The Jewish State" serves as a basis for the reunion of the Hebrew people as Herzl invisioned it. All Zionists and Jewish scholars/historians should become familiar with the principles of Zionism as outlined here by Herzl. "The Jewish State" played a highly significant role in begining the pioneer emegration which later led to the establishment of Israel. It is also quite interesting to compare Herzl's orignal thoughts and ideas with Israeli society, the fruition of his work. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the story of an ordinary young man with an ordinary life who, when caught up in extraordinary circumstances, turned out to be a remarkable human being. Joe Rosenblum endured the slow strangulation of his hometown, three death camps--including 18 months working in close quarters with Josef Mengele--and, finally, a death march, surviving through a combination of luck, ingenuity, compassion, and kindness. He was sustained by a noble spirit, one so tough that even the Nazis could not crush it--and a virtually unshakable belief that his simple and plain dream would come true. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Heartwrenching Acts of Bravery & Wit
This book was a page turner that I could not put down. It went straight to my heart and I wondered if I could do the same things to survive. Joe's thoughts and actions were absolutely amazing, thinking about my 14 yr old nephew the whole time. Unimaginable acts of bravery and the things he has to overcome just to stay alive. Giving kindness to anyone he could even though it could mean death in an instant. Watching and telling his stories of death all around him and of his family. The work he had to endure, the pain, and the hopes to keep him going.

This book is an excellent read and really opens your eyes to his life and the lives around him.

Remember Before It's Too Late
There is no shortage of writing about the Holocaust, fortunately, because nothing so evil should ever be forgotten. In addition to the dry historical accounts, we have many novels, military assessments and first-person accounts.
What Joe Rosenblum gives us is a closeup look at his hometown of Miedzyrzec, Poland, as it is swallowed up by the Nazis, the effects on its mostly Jewish population and the terrible events that upend and destroy his family. Equally important, he tells us how he survived his hellacious odyssey through Nazi death camps, his techniques for survival and the pure luck that kept him from destruction.
I found the writing a little choppy and some of the material was a bit repetitious. The book sometimes read more like an interview with someone eager to spill out the details before it's too late. So what? This is not literature, this is humanity, set down on paper so that we'll all remember and, if we're lucky, have just a little of the courage of this survivor.

Truth be told
This book is one of the best suvivor accounts I have read. The authot lets you into his life and lets you see things through his eyes. Once you are in - it's hard to leave. The author has such an amazing memory of his life that the pages beg to be read. I happen to have been fortunate enough to meet Mr. Rosenblum and hear him tell his story to my students. Truly an amazing man. I highly reccomend this book for it's truth, honesty and heroism.

Heart breaking, inspiring, riveting
Statistics concerning the atrocities committed during the Holocaust are readily available. What I found immensely touching and absolutely fascinating about this book was that for the first time I understood how the citizens suffered. I experienced their terror, their degradation, their pain--both physical and that of the soul. But thankfully, Joe Rosenblum's story also demonstrates the incredible courage, ingenuity and stamina that enabled him to survive. The fact that he was never overwhelmed by bitterness, never lost his compassion nor his determination to survive is a testament to the human spirit. This is a book to be relished and cherished.

Defy the Darkness
"Defy the Darkness" is a must-read book for anyone interested in the Holocaust. The first-person narrative puts this book on a personal level that has a huge impact on the reader. And this is one of those can't-put-down books. Once you start, you must keep going. This is not a light subject, of course. But it is one that the world cannot be allowed to forget. I guarantee you will not forget this book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Fire! The Furnace! Look, over there!
The cries of a madwoman on an Auschwitz-bound cattle car are just one of many portents shepherding doomed souls on their way to Nazi furnaces. In "Night", the first of three books in this collection, Elie Wiesel recounts his deportation to the death camps where the rest of his family perished. The tragic weight of his witness to this obscene cruelty burdens the reader with the fates of the inmates and his reflections on the meaning of evil. Wiesel questions his god and his faith. He sees sons kill fathers: "Meir. Meir, my boy! Don't you recognize me? I'm your father... you're hurting me... you're killing your father! I've got some bread... for you too... for you too..." (p.106), and becomes intimate with death.

In "Dawn", Wiesel has migrated to Palestine and faces the duty to execute a captured prisoner. His long night of contemplation and uncertainty exposes his preoccupation with killing and killers and again with death: "Death," Kalman, the grizzled master, told me, "is a being without arms or legs or mouth or head; it is all eyes. If ever you meet a creature with eyes everywhere, you can be sure that it is death." (p.140). It is a preoccupation to be squeezed only from one who has not fully lost his faith or his humanity. A beggar explains the face of the night: "Listen," he said, digging his fingers into my arm. "I'm going to teach you the art of distinguishing between day and night. Always look at a window, and failing that look into the eyes of a man. If you see a face, any face, then you can be sure that night has succeeded day. For, believe me, night has a face." (p.126) Fear, night, suffering, and evil are his companions, and he explores them constantly. "Being afraid is nothing. Fear is only a color, a backdrop, a landscape." (p.174).

Until, in "Day", he survives a terrible accident and is faced with his own complacent acceptance of mortality. He struggles with the urge to explain to his talented young doctor the futility of fighting against death, and reaches an epiphany when he understands the tragedy of splashing others with his suffering. "Suffering brings out the lowest, the most cowardly in man. There is a phase of suffering you reach beyond which you become a brute: beyond it you sell your soul - and worse, the souls of your friends - for a piece of bread, for some warmth, for a moment of oblivion, of sleep." (p.247).

These stories are powerful and frightening,. Death is an implacable enemy, but also a partner for life who never goes away and will always win in the end. Wiesel has stared at evil, his stories are wrenching.

The most emotional account of the Holocaust
This book should simply be read by everyone interested in Judiasm or the Holocaust. Just read it! ... Read more

Book Description

A Story of Sisters in Auschwitz

As a young woman, Rena Kornreich endured the Nazi death camps for almost three and a half years. Rena's Promise, the remarkable story of her survival, shows how her relationship with her younger sister, Danka, gave her the will to persevere under unimaginable circumstances.

"Deeply moving."
-Dena Taylor, San Francisco Chronicle ... Read more

Reviews (23)

A testimony of love, survival and triumph
By: Joe E. White

Rena's Promise is the beautifully told story of two remarkable young women in their early twenties who endure and survive nearly three and one half years as prisoners of the Nazis in Auschwitz and Ravensbruck. The love that Rena has for her younger sister, Danka, sustains her and helps her to endure the atrocities and indignities forced upon them on a daily basis by the Nazis.

During the time they are prisoners, Rena never once forgets the promise to her mother to take care of her younger sister. There are numerous times when Rena unhesitatingly gives up her daily crust of bread in exchange for medicine or a much needed salve for Danka. And at times when Rena is able to "organize" an extra tidbit of food such as a tiny piece of potato peeling, she meticulously divides it and without exception shares it with her beloved sister.

Although Rena is the stronger of the two sisters, Danka's strength emerges during the death march.

Rena's Promise is a testimony of love, survival & triumph.
Rena's Promise is the beautifully told story of two remarkable young women in th