Night, by Elie Wiesel

As a fifteen-year-old boy is forced to leave all he has ever known, behind him he faces a new world of death, hatred, and the struggles of survival. With his last bit of hope he relies on his own instincts and draining strength. The story of Elie Wiesel’s, Night (1958) captures the heart of everyone who reads it. As Elie, his father, mother, and sisters are transported to Auschwitz, the importance of family and staying together become ever apparent in Elie’s life. “Behind me, an old man fell to the ground. Near him was an SS man, putting his revolver back in its holster. My hand shifted on my father’s arm. I had one thought—not to loose him. Not to be left alone.” (Page.27). Times are tough with the Germans and their outrageous actions of extermination! I, being someone who enjoys history gobbled this book up in a day. The despair and hardships throughout the novel tugs at the pit of your soul. Since I am of age fourteen, I can only attempt to put myself in his shoes at this age, being in a horrid place such as that of Auschwitz. The pain and suffering endured is unimaginable, which is what made me get sucked into the book. I want to learn as much as possible to the story of these incredible people alive. An individual with an interest in true-life, and historical novels would have the most fascination in this story. The book’s only weakness would be that it is depressing, with very little hope of anything to rejoice in. “I have nothing to nothing to say of my life during this period. It no longer mattered. After my father’s death, nothing could touch me anymore.” (Pg.107). Certain places within the book are graphic in their descriptions, so I suggest it’s not for younger readers. -Diane