This is a compelling novel that carefully examines the triumph of the human spirit among the horrors of a WWII concentration camp.
From the prologue, the reader can guess at specific outcomes of events in the book. However, the journey the characters embark upon is both informative and heart-wrenching.
I thought that the author did an excellent job of describing the conditions at Auschwitz while illustrating the evil of the Nazis and the people who worked with them. The desperation to stay alive at any cost was apparent in both the prisoners and some of the workers.
The plot continued through Eva’s time at Auschwitz, even as there were flashbacks to the beginning of her relationship with Michal and the pending Anschluss. Sofie also had some flashback moments, as her story intertwined and eventually meshed with Eva’s. The author handled the importance and preciousness of memories very well through these flashbacks and emphasized it with Eva’s realization that personal photos should be saved.
I did think that the title did not do the story justice. Yes, a child born in a literal hell on earth is compelling, but I thought Eva’s story was so much more than that. Although, in thinking about it a little more, I suppose that Eva could also be considered the child of Auschwitz because she essentially went to Auschwitz willingly so she could find her husband, Michal.
She was very naïve and full of hope when she arrived, to the point where the ladies made fun of her idyllic point of view. Through all of the events and illnesses that Eva faced, she grew to understand the direness of the situation but always held on to a sliver of hope – which probably helped keep her alive. The Child of Auschwitz is an excellent book that should be read carefully for understanding if only to recognize the insidiousness of the Nazis and the horrors they brought to the world.
Author Bio
Lily Graham grew up in South Africa, and is a former journalist. She lives now in the Suffolk coast with her husband and English bulldog, Fudge.
She is the author of six novels, published by Bookouture, including the bestselling, The Paris Secret and The Island Villa.
Her latest novel The Child of Auschwitz will be out in 2019.
@lilygrahambooks
