Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
27(27%)
4 stars
35(35%)
3 stars
37(37%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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99 reviews
July 14,2025
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It takes a great deal of courage to state that anything penned by Elie Wiesel is actually not good. However, I am going to summon my nerve and express it.

This small novella is extremely ponderous, dull, and heavy, to the point of being boring. The only redeeming factor is that, fortunately, it is short.

"Night" is truly amazing, without a doubt. But from this point forward, I don't think I will trouble myself with Elie Wiesel novellas.

I understand that Wiesel is a highly respected author, and his works have had a profound impact on many people. However, in my opinion, this particular novella fails to engage the reader in the same way that "Night" does.

The writing style is overly dense, and the story lacks the necessary pace and excitement to hold one's attention. It feels as if the author is trying too hard to convey a message, rather than simply telling a good story.

Perhaps I am being too critical, but I believe that there are other works out there that are more deserving of our time and attention.
July 14,2025
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This short read is deeply complex,

and it seems unfair to compare it to "Night" as that is such a beloved and heart-wrenching story. However, dare I say, I think I enjoyed this one more.

The main character's struggle with his own humanity and the meaning of righteousness adds so much nuance. It is both poetic and devastating.

Moreover, this story couldn't be more relevant at this time as it delves into the complexities of Zionism, terrorism, and survival.

I truly loved it. The way the author presents these themes makes you think deeply about the human condition and the choices we make.

It's a thought-provoking and powerful piece of literature that leaves a lasting impression.

Despite its brevity, it manages to convey a wealth of emotions and ideas, making it a remarkable read.

I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a story that challenges their perspective and touches their heart.
July 14,2025
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This book is a punch in the face. It wakes up your conscience and stirs your soul.

The atmosphere is oppressive, yet the narration is pure and profound under the pen of Elie Wiesel, a wonder!

In short, read it, lend it, give it away. 4/5

Elie Wiesel's work has the power to make you confront the harsh realities of the past and question the present. The story he tells is not an easy one, but it is essential.

As you turn the pages, you will be drawn into a world of pain, suffering, and hope. The vivid descriptions and powerful emotions will stay with you long after you have finished reading.

This book is not just a literary masterpiece; it is a call to action. It reminds us of the importance of remembering history, standing up for what is right, and never giving up on the fight for justice.

So, don't hesitate. Pick up this book and experience the journey for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
July 14,2025
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I just can't give more to this script. I'm sorry.

It only has a few pages, around 80, to describe the inner struggle of a survivor of Buchenwald who, having emigrated to Israel to participate in the Zionist cause, has the ungrateful task of justifying a British military man as retaliation for the death sentence of a Zionist fighter.

It's like a dawn that never arrives, an inner reflection that didn't grip me and, above all, didn't attract my sympathy.

Because a murderer remains such, no matter what the cause.

Even the prose wasn't smooth for me, as in other masterpieces of the author.

I will read other titles on the treated topic to deepen the Palestinian question.

This won't stay in my heart.
July 14,2025
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I forced myself to finish this book, but deep down, I truly wish I wouldn't have.

It was an absolute awful experience. The author's first book in this series, "Night", was such an eye-opening and remarkable piece for me. It had a profound impact and left a lasting impression.

However, this second installment was extremely disappointing. Firstly, "Night" was non-fiction, which gave it a sense of authenticity and rawness. In contrast, this one was fiction.

Secondly, the author seemed to try too hard to wax poetic about an Israeli freedom fighter. In my humble opinion, he simply did not succeed in creating a believable or engaging character.

Thirdly, I generally have the expectation that a book in a series will continue the story of the previous book. Sadly, this did not happen in this case.

All in all, I would strongly recommend that you don't waste your time reading this book.
July 14,2025
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Perhaps it's my fault for making the assumption that 'Dawn' was a sequel to Wiesel's outstanding memoir 'Night'.

Or maybe the book was simply uninteresting. It was well-written, yet dull.

In my opinion, 'Dawn' should not be presented as the second installment of a trilogy. This is because I didn't experience any feeling of continuity. There was an abundance of philosophizing, but no genuine sense of transition from the darkness that was Wiesel's life in a concentration camp to the dawn in the Promised Land. I sensed a number of gaps.

Certainly, this has deterred me from reading the third part of the 'trilogy'.

It seems that the connection between 'Dawn' and the previous work was not as seamless as I had hoped. The lack of a clear transition left me feeling somewhat disconnected from the story. While the writing was of a high standard, the overall narrative failed to engage me on a deeper level.

I can't help but wonder if the author intended for 'Dawn' to be a standalone work or if there were other factors that contributed to its somewhat disjointed nature.

Nevertheless, based on my experience with 'Dawn', I am hesitant to invest my time in reading the final part of the trilogy.
July 14,2025
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I don't understand why Elie Wiesel feels the need to fabricate fairy tales to slander Israel. There are already numerous individuals who are libeling Israel and alleging that Wiesel's account of history is a mere fairy tale.

It is unclear to me what the purpose of this book is. Surely, it is not to achieve 'Peace'. Wiesel's actions seem rather perplexing and raise many questions.

Perhaps he has some hidden agenda or is being influenced by certain forces. However, without further investigation, it is difficult to determine the true motives behind his actions.

In any case, it is important to approach such matters with a critical eye and not simply accept everything at face value. We should strive to seek the truth and make informed judgments based on reliable evidence.
July 14,2025
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Don't ask why I read a book about Zionism at this time.

It was, unsurprisingly, well written. It was interesting to read about the time when native Palestinians weren't the primary enemy. In fact, it was England!

This occurred before Israel became a state and before the main focus of Israelis was the desire to subjugate native Palestinians.

It's quite fascinating to explore this historical context. The book provides valuable insights into the complex web of events and relationships that led to the current situation in the Middle East.

Despite the many challenges and conflicts, the call for a free Palestine still rings loud and clear.

We must continue to advocate for justice and equality for all people in the region.
July 14,2025
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This is a thought-provoking read that delves deep into the cyclical nature of violence.

It explores how violence seems to repeat itself in a never-ending loop, with each act of aggression begetting more aggression.

The article also examines the terrible but tragic justifications that we often use to further this cycle.

We may claim that our actions are necessary for self-defense, or to protect our loved ones, or to uphold a particular ideology.

However, these justifications often serve to perpetuate the violence and make it even more difficult to break the cycle.

By grappling with these issues, the article forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth about our role in the cycle of violence and challenges us to find more peaceful and sustainable ways to resolve conflicts.

It is a powerful reminder that we must all take responsibility for our actions and work towards a more just and peaceful world.
July 14,2025
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I don't usually come across a book where I really don't enjoy some part. ⭐️⭐️.5⁣

Timing and mood play such a big factor. I had a better experience with this author's other book (Night), which was about his experience during the Holocaust at the Concentration Camps. This particular book was the second in a mini series. ⁣

This book provided an insight into the terrorist/killing side of Jewish History after the Holocaust. It was an interesting look at this aspect of Jewish History, but it wasn't the best book on the subject for me. ⁣

Moreover, it is a translated book from French. I feel like a lot of the nuances and words get lost in translation. This might have affected my overall perception and enjoyment of the book. ⁣

Despite its shortcomings, it still managed to offer some valuable perspectives on a lesser-known part of Jewish History. ⁣

Perhaps if I had read the original French version or if the translation had been more accurate, my opinion might have been different. ⁣

Nevertheless, it is an important addition to the literature on Jewish History and值得一读 for those interested in the subject. ⁣
July 14,2025
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The Longest Book Ever?

Wiesel's work seems to have a rather unique style. He repeats himself an awful lot. In fact, he often takes entire pages to express one single thing in a hundred different ways.

This is his first work of fiction, and I truly hope it's not his best. It took me a whole month to get through it, mainly because I really didn't have the eagerness to read it.

The repetitive nature made it a bit of a chore to plow through. I kept wondering if there was a more concise way he could have conveyed his thoughts.

Perhaps with more experience in writing fiction, he will learn to be more economical with his words and present his ideas in a more engaging and less tiresome manner.

Nonetheless, I'm still curious to see what else he has in store for us in his future works.
July 14,2025
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I don't want to delve too deeply into politics here, but reading from the perspective of a Zionist terrorist was indeed extremely difficult. In a sense, Elie Wiesel has managed to depict how these individuals lose themselves while attempting to seek their future. Their actions are unjustifiable, and it is a nightmare to read the rationales they attempt to concoct to elevate themselves above their victims.



This quote, along with Elisha's internal conflicts, describes this situation quite well:


"If we must become more unjust and inhuman than those who have been unjust and inhuman to us, then we shall do so."


Sometimes, one can only overcome one's demons by first becoming one, but then it is disingenuous not to admit who or what one has become.


And what came as a surprise was that this book is not a continuation of the novel Night at all.
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