I join Zack, who echoes what The New York Times expresses: "A slim volume of terrifying power." It is amazing how well Elie is able to recount his time in these camps after his silence was over. I would have probably repressed a lot but the world needs people like Wiesel to make sure the stories are heard.
There were a few parts of the book that really struck me.
- The hanging of the sad-eyed angel is one scene that draws you in, right there in the middle of the lines questioning with every one else "Where is God?"
- There was a part of the book that breaks from the recollection of events to share that he met someone he worked with later on in life, I think this is a glimmer of hope for all of the readers in the midst of devastating circumstances.
- On page 86 Elie is talking about his father whom he had just waken up after a long march: "He stared all round him in a circle as though he had suddenly decided to draw up an inventory of his universe, to find out exactly where he was, in what place, and why. Then he smiled." I just feel that every person can relate to that moment of reckoning but it was such an inspiration to know that this man was still able to smile.
Appearance: 5/5 - The cover captivated me. 'You get what you see'
Readability: 4/5 - The book is an easy read but not to be read like most books. The content is much more mature so taking time to digest is beneficial.
My Points: 8/10 - While I loved the cover and it is a very easy read it took me forever to get through this short book. Maybe it's just because of the downright depressing material, I just had a hard time committing to it for long periods of time. I do not regret a moment of it though. It is so great to have the opportunity to spend some time and get to know someone's story and see how much you can gain from it.
Total Points: 17/20
