Amongst the many recent novels set in concentration camps during World War Two, Mischling leapt out to me because of its subject matter: following twin girls through the 'Zoo' at Auschwitz, the domain of the infamous Dr Josef Mengele. I'd heard of Mengele and his experiments and wondered how a novelist could present such horrific subject matter in a way that allows the reader to understand without having to read in minute detail of the tortures that went on.
Where Konar excels is in the research. At no point did I wonder about the veracity of what she was presenting. In some places I felt that the research showed a little too clearly in fact. The stylistic choice to write in such flowery language also helped the reader to view the abuse as if through a hazy memory rather than the unbearable close up that the real victims would have experience. The problem was, since the book is written in first person, that I felt that the voice didn't work. Dialogue too felt forced and overly poetic compared to how people speak. If there had been more contrast, more simpler passages, then this approach could have worked. As it was I felt a bit 'metaphored' out by the midpoint.
I felt that I understood the adult characters a lot better than the children. The nurse, Miri, I felt particularly moved by, even before reading the full horror of her story. I also was glad that we left Auschwitz and saw what actually happened after the liberation and how the inmates actually had to flee. I felt that I got to know Pearl and Stasha better during these chapters.
Overall, a great idea for a novel and some people might enjoy the writing style. For me it was just a little too overwrought and stopped me from becoming immersed in the story.
Where Konar excels is in the research. At no point did I wonder about the veracity of what she was presenting. In some places I felt that the research showed a little too clearly in fact. The stylistic choice to write in such flowery language also helped the reader to view the abuse as if through a hazy memory rather than the unbearable close up that the real victims would have experience. The problem was, since the book is written in first person, that I felt that the voice didn't work. Dialogue too felt forced and overly poetic compared to how people speak. If there had been more contrast, more simpler passages, then this approach could have worked. As it was I felt a bit 'metaphored' out by the midpoint.
I felt that I understood the adult characters a lot better than the children. The nurse, Miri, I felt particularly moved by, even before reading the full horror of her story. I also was glad that we left Auschwitz and saw what actually happened after the liberation and how the inmates actually had to flee. I felt that I got to know Pearl and Stasha better during these chapters.
Overall, a great idea for a novel and some people might enjoy the writing style. For me it was just a little too overwrought and stopped me from becoming immersed in the story.