Story of people in World War II concentration camps has a profound effect
REVIEWER: EMILY BAGG
ALFRED MENDL has been taken from his home, torn from his family, and thrust into the harsh and unfair cruelty of the concentration camp Auschwitz in 1944 during World War II.
Mendl’s life and work, which has been deemed worthless by the Nazis, has now become the sole focus of one man – Nathan Blum – who has been called upon to search for this unknown face in a sea of thousands. Nathan, a Polish Jew who escaped the Krakow ghetto just in time, has started a new life in America when he is called in for a special mission.
Nathan needs to do the unthinkable – put his life on the line, break into Auschwitz, find Mendl, and break out of the inescapable prison in just three days, because Mendl has information that could help put an end to the war.
It has been a long time since I have never read a book that has made me feel so emotional.
From beginning to end, the expressive and moving imagery painted a picture in my mind that had a profound effect. Having connections to people who were lost in concentration camps, and having it be a part of my history made it extremely personal and moving. Not only does the story highlight the importance of family, but it does so in a way that is authentic, thrilling and full of desperation.
The story deals with one of the worst times in human history that needs and deserves to be remembered, and it brings it to the forefront in literature in such an accessible way. Gross has taken a real look into history and has used reliable sources of information to enhance the realness his story, which makes it all the more harrowing.
The whole narrative comes to a inspired end, and leaves you thinking about the lengths some people will go to in order to make things right.
There is something for everyone in this book – there are moments charged with sentiment, terribly real portrayals of the terror within the camps, and moments where the action and suspense keep you at the edge of your seat. It is a brilliant portrayal of a historical thriller.
The characters are also very real and relatable. They each have their own circumstances within the camp that they need to overcome. We get to see how different types of people experience the concentration camp’s hierarchy and rules, compared to the dynamics and inner workings of the Nazi regime. In each environment, the characters are trying to continue in their own respective ways – be it trying to survive one day at a time in the labour camp, or trying to climb up the greasy pole to power.
The story is a great example of both the horrors and kindnesses that humans are capable of, and the message of resilience, sacrifice and bravery in the face of hardship is powerful.
The story is deep and gripping and completely worth a read.
Message of resilience and sacrifice in the face of hardship is powerful