Gazing At the Stars

I will keep this post short, sharp and shiny. It is the powerful memoir of Eva Slonim, a holocaust survivor who was a child of eleven when she was taken to the death camp at Auschwitz. I really don't mind which of the holocaust novels you read but you MUST read one!
I teared up more than once during this 'uncorrected proof' edition due to its raw yet intricately detailed recount of the inhumane and insane treatment of the Jews during WWII. My teenage son quipped whilst walking past me, 'Yeah, and it wasn't that long ago.' Everyone needs to know about the holocaust; no excuses.

   'My name is Shmuel,' he cried. 'I am nine years old and my time has come. Promise me that you will say kaddish for me. Remember this day, this date. Remember my name. My name is Shmuel!'
   I felt a cold wave of panic pass through my spine. I did not know what the date was, nor the day. I would forget Shmuel, his memory, his suffering, his eyes, his life, lost and anonymous among the bodies piled in that room by the hospital.
   I looked down and saw the numbers tattooed on my arm: A27201. The number transfixed me, startled me with the starkness of its sudden permanence. 'A27201,' I said, 'this will be your kaddish.'
   Shmuel was content, relieved that his God and his people would not forget him. He walked towards the exit of the barracks. (pp.118-9)

Due for release May 2014.

Miss ^__^