👶👶👶 Born Survivors, by Wendy Holden

I am, all-at-once, left aghast, disgusted, and awestruck: aghast because these poor, innocent people were living ordinary lives, when suddenly their world was turned completely upside down. I am disgusted because the Nazis were absolutely barbaric and utterly compassionless, and it hits me so hard every time I read a novel about this oh-so-tragic time in history. And I am completely awestruck that these three women and their unborn babies survived these unspeakable crimes, and were able to persevere.

This was hands-down, the most graphic book about the Holocaust I have ever read. It is a side of this abhorrent event in history that is rarely delved into: the trek of pregnant Jewish women and children, and how they were treated by the Nazis. It is something so shameful and unimaginable, that it is no wonder few authors discuss it. Kudos to the author and grandchildren of these brave women for bringing it to light.

I struggled getting through this story not only because of the sheer heft of this topic, but also because of the graphic nature of this particular book. I completely understand the reality and necessity of telling the story; but it is so difficult for me to digest that anyone can be so utterly soulless as to inflict this kind of suffering on another human being.

I did often seem to lose track of who was whom, as well as the timing of certain events portrayed in this book. At times, I felt as though there was a bit of an organizational issue. However, I still feel as though this is an important read, and one that I will likely never forget.

Read 5/7/16