I'm in two minds over this book. Firstly, Lale's story is very much worthwhile reading. I'm glad I read this book to learn about his experiences in Auschwitz, horrifying though they were, as his hopeful outlook was inspiring. However, the way the novel was written did not live up to expectations.
From the First Impression I knew that the beginning of the novel is presented in a factual way, but I had assumed this was a technique used to describe the horror that Lale encounters during the first few pages. As this style continued throughout the book, it began to read more like a non-fiction book, a dry retelling of a real life story. Because of this I didn't connect to the characters in the way I had hoped. I was a little disappointed in the book as a novel but would recommend it for those with an interest in Lale's story.
From the First Impression I knew that the beginning of the novel is presented in a factual way, but I had assumed this was a technique used to describe the horror that Lale encounters during the first few pages. As this style continued throughout the book, it began to read more like a non-fiction book, a dry retelling of a real life story. Because of this I didn't connect to the characters in the way I had hoped. I was a little disappointed in the book as a novel but would recommend it for those with an interest in Lale's story.