I'm truly sorry, but this book seemed to have pushed all the wrong buttons for me. It managed to evoke only the resentment that I hold towards the modern state of Israel and its policies, and I simply couldn't seem to shake off this feeling.

Wiesel's point that we are the sum total of everything that has ever occurred to us and everyone who has ever loved us or given us their time is, without a doubt, an interesting one. However, all the reasoning behind Elisha's acts failed to convince me. The idea of trying to justify one's monstrosity by blaming one's enemies for making one a monster does not, in my opinion, exonerate one from being a monster.

As Wiesel wrote, "John Dawson has made me a murderer, I said to myself. He has made me the murderer of John Dawson. He deserves my hate. Were it not for him, I might still be a murderer, but I wouldn't be the murderer of John Dawson."

When you treat innocent people who just happen to belong to your enemy's nation in the same way that you were treated when you were powerless, it makes you just as hideous as the people who committed all these crimes against humanity, and against the Jews in particular. No matter how you attempt to justify it.

While Wiesel's writing is as beautiful as it was in Night, this book has put me off from reading the third part, at least for the foreseeable future.

I could not able to complete it. It is way more complex than what I expected after reading Night which is Elie Weasel's Biography and one of my favourite books. The story in Night is so powerful and moving that it has left a deep impression on me. However, this task at hand seems to be extremely challenging. It requires a higher level of understanding and analysis than I initially thought. I find myself struggling to come up with a comprehensive and satisfactory answer. The complexity of the subject matter makes it difficult for me to put my thoughts into words. I hope that with more time and effort, I will be able to overcome this obstacle and complete the task to the best of my ability.

This novel, "Dawn," has little to do with the previous book in the series, "Night." "Night" is a true account of the author's experience in a concentration camp. In contrast, "Dawn" is a fictional creation by Elie Wiesel. It tells the story of a young Jewish man, Elisha, who survived the Holocaust and now finds himself in Palestine as part of an Israeli freedom movement.

The British control Palestine and have taken a hostage. In retaliation, the movement has captured a British officer to execute. It falls upon Elisha to carry out this death sentence. The core of the story is Elisha's internal struggle with the morality of this task.

Overall, "Dawn" is an engaging read. However, grouping it with "Night" can be misleading. The two books have different natures and themes. "Night" is a powerful memoir, while "Dawn" is a work of fiction that explores different aspects of the Jewish experience and the moral dilemmas that arise in times of conflict.

Despite the differences, both books offer valuable insights into the human condition and the impact of war and persecution. They are both worth reading, but it is important to approach them with the understanding that they are distinct works.

When I first read Dawn, it immediately captivated me with its compelling story that presented a perhaps insoluble moral dilemma.

Rereading it now, I realize that Elie Wiesel's novella is more than just a story; it is a kind of parable that attempts to convey the sometimes incalculable difference between good and evil.

The brief book itself hadn't changed, and I doubt that I had changed appreciably either. However, sometimes (often) taking a second glance at anything reveals aspects that seemed previously less than apparent.

The story centers around an 18-year-old named Elisha, who is assigned to murder a seemingly innocent British army captain, John Dawson. Dawson is described as calm, brave, handsome, and with "fine hands."

Elisha, who finds it impossible to hate the man he is about to murder, realizes that in doing so, he will also "kill the child within himself."

The act is seen as a reprisal for the death of a Jewish partisan, but Elisha, who is considered a non-combatant and hopes to study at the Sorbonne, has doubts about his role.

As he stands in the cell with Dawson, he questions the presence of God and wonders if the lack of hate between them is a sign of God.

Dawson, who has a son at Cambridge University, asks for permission to write a farewell note. While he writes, Elisha attempts to develop hate for his captive but admits that he doesn't hate him at all.

As the minutes pass, Elisha expects Dawson to grow nervous, but the man continues to smile and even suggests that he feels sorry for Elisha.

After a last cigarette, Elisha shoots Dawson, and the act leaves him deaf and dumb. He realizes that he has not only killed Dawson but also a part of himself.

For me, Dawn raises important questions about the ambiguity of evil and goodness. Can a good man commit an evil act and still be considered good?

Francois Mauriac's preface to The Night Trilogy also adds to the depth of the story, highlighting the horror of the death of God in the soul of a child who discovers absolute evil.

Overall, Dawn is a thought-provoking and powerful novella that leaves a lasting impression.

This book reveals an astonishing level of detail regarding how the mind functions.

While reading it, I was completely engrossed, not because I was eager to find out what would transpire, but because the book delves into experiences that many individuals have never even fathomed.

It was not only enjoyable to peruse but also imparted numerous lessons about what it means to be human and what sacrifice entails, whether it be physical or emotional.

One theme that the book explores, and which I find highly controversial, is that our past experiences shape our future. I firmly believe that the choices we make are, for the most part, independent of our past events.

Overall, "Dawn" is an excellent book, and I recommend it to anyone who relishes a "it all boils down to one choice" kind of book, which are great for a quick and engaging read.

In Wiesel's first fictional work, we embark on a long and harrowing night with Elisha, an 18-year-old Holocaust survivor. Recruited as an Israeli terrorist to combat the British occupation of Palestine and fight for the creation of the Zionist state, Elisha's fate takes a dark turn.

When the sun rises, he is doomed to execute a captured English officer in retaliation for the hanging of a fellow freedom fighter. "Dawn" is a chilling exploration of the anguish and internal turmoil Elisha endures as he awaits the fateful hour that will forever change him.

Inspired by Wiesel's musings on what he might have been capable of had he ended up in Palestine instead of France after the war, the result is a powerful and foreboding philosophical novel rich in symbolism. It delves into moral questions, as Wiesel sums up best in the introduction:

"How are we ever to disarm evil and abolish death as a means to an end? How are we ever to break the cycle of violence and rage? Can terror coexist with justice? Does murder call for murder, despair for revenge? Can hate engender anything but hate?"

"Dawn" is the opposite of "Night" in that we witness a reversal of roles. The Jews, once persecuted during the war, now find themselves as the persecutors. Elisha, in his current position, commits acts of hate similar to those inflicted upon him by the Nazis.

Caught between the horrors of his past and the dilemmas of his present, Wiesel contemplates the justifications and sacrifices humans make when they resolve to commit atrocities for what they believe is a just cause. Elisha grapples with his guilt and the ghosts of his past, which are woven into the narrative with elements of magical realism.

Despite the incredibly dark themes, the fictional nature of this work makes it more digestible than "Night." While I may not agree with some of the implications Wiesel seems to make, the morally complex narrative of a sympathetic freedom fighter, fully aware that he is about to kill an innocent and likeable man, and his attempts to justify and rationalize his actions, make for a heartbreaking, provocative, and timely novella that is sure to blur the lines between "us" and "them" for every reader.

—————

My other reviews for the "Night" trilogy:

1: Night · ★★★★★

2: Dawn · ★★★★

3: Day · ★★★★

The paradoxical book's plot

centers on an extremely humane treatment approach to an extremely inhumane act.

It is truly a fascinating concept that challenges our understanding of morality and ethics.

The story takes an interesting turn as it moves from nonfiction to fiction in the second part of this trilogy.

This transition adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

The connections between the first two books seem clear enough: the victim has moved to victimizer.

This transformation forces the reader to question the nature of human behavior and the potential for redemption.

As we delve deeper into the story, we are confronted with the moral dilemmas and ethical choices that the characters must face.

The author does an excellent job of exploring these themes in a thought-provoking and engaging way.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the darker side of human nature and the power of forgiveness and redemption.

I first read Night in high school, just like most people of my generation. And shortly after graduating from high school, I came across this book again and reread it.

Unlike Night, which is an autobiographical account of Wiesel's experiences in the concentration camps, this particular work is a fictional story. It is about a group of individuals who call themselves The Movement (inspired by the real-life Haganah, which later became the foundation of the Israel Defense Force). They are fighting for the freedom of the Jewish people from British-controlled Palestine. Just a few short years after the horrors of the Holocaust and World War II, the Jewish people find themselves facing yet another threat.

When I initially read this, I had no understanding of the events that occurred after World War II. Back then, all I wanted was for Elisha to "make the right decision" and not follow the orders he was given. Although I have since learned some of the history of that era and how the policy decisions made after the war had a profound impact on that region, both then and continuing to this day, there is still a great deal that I don't know. However, I do know that things are often far more complex and messy than what we are told or led to believe. And this short story vividly demonstrates the various layers at play in a stark and straightforward manner. Elisha is right in the middle of it all, thrust into the spotlight as it were, and there is no clear-cut decision, whether right or wrong, for him to make. It was never that simple.

The story takes place over the course of one night. Elisha spends the time leading up to dawn, that fateful moment that will change him forever, the moment when two men will be killed - one in the name of freedom and the other in retaliation. He reflects on the events and people in his life that have led him to this very moment. In just over 100 pages, Wiesel presents us with a young man, almost a boy really, who is on the verge of losing the last bit of himself. We also see a young man who no longer truly knows who he was before the war stripped away everything from him. And in him, we can also catch a glimpse of the plight of the people around him, the people he is fighting for, because he represents them all.

This goes to show that you don't necessarily need a plethora of words to tell a story. All you need are the right words, the ones that will convey the story in the most effective way.

This is attributed as being a sequel to the autobiographical Night. However, I think this is a bit misleading, as it implies that this is also autobiographical.

Instead, Wiesel is engaged in musing about what he might have been capable of if he had made different life choices after World War II. So, essentially, you have a Nobel Peace Prize winner reflecting on what might have led him to commit murder.

It's a rather strange book, but it does highlight the significant gaps in my knowledge of modern Middle East politics. It makes me realize how much more there is to learn and understand about this complex and important region.

I am now motivated to delve deeper into the subject and try to fill those gaps in my knowledge.

Carnefice e vittima sono i due punti estremi della nostra condizione. È tragico che ci si possa trovare nella situazione nostro malgrado.

We often find ourselves in a position where we are either the executioner or the victim. It is a tragic state of affairs that we can end up in such a situation despite our best efforts.

Ci rende nervosi e ci tortura sempre il penultimo passo; l'ultimo fa di noi individui lucidi, riflessivi, sicuri di noi stessi.

The penultimate step always makes us nervous and tortures us. It is that final step that transforms us into clear-headed, reflective, and self-assured individuals.

We are constantly on edge, worried about making the wrong move in that second-to-last step. But once we take that final leap, we gain a newfound sense of confidence and self-awareness.

These two quotes highlight the complex and often tumultuous nature of our human condition. We are constantly caught between the extremes of being the one who inflicts pain and the one who suffers it.

Yet, it is through these experiences that we grow and learn, becoming stronger and more resilient in the face of life's challenges.

Title: 3.5 ⭐️

The rating of 3.5 ⭐️ is an interesting one. It lies somewhere between a solid three and a nearly perfect four. It indicates that there is a certain level of quality and performance, but perhaps there are also some areas that could use improvement.

A 3.5 ⭐️ rating might suggest that a product or service has some good features and aspects that are值得称赞. However, it may not quite reach the level of excellence that would earn a higher rating. It could be that there are some minor flaws or不足之处 that prevent it from being truly outstanding.

On the other hand, a 3.5 ⭐️ rating can also be seen as a sign of potential. It shows that there is room for growth and development, and with some effort and attention, the product or service could potentially reach a higher level of quality.

In conclusion, a 3.5 ⭐️ rating is a middle ground that indicates both some positive qualities and areas for improvement. It is a rating that can serve as a motivation for further enhancement and a guide for consumers or users to make an informed decision.

This short novel is the second installment of a series penned by this Nobel Laureate. Honestly, I cannot recommend it to just anyone. I had read the first one, Night, a long time ago and finally got around to reading this particular one. It has to be among the most moving and terribly sad books I have ever come across. And it has lingered in my thoughts for days.

The protagonist narrates in the first person, and one wonders if this is Wiesel's own story. He is part of the resistance in Palestine, and the British are siding with the Israeli army. The British have captured a high-ranking officer in the resistance and plan to execute him at dawn tomorrow. The narrator is with a group of friends, helping him endure the night - for he is to kill the British officer they have captured at dawn. It's a case of tit for tat, which is how the book gets its name. He will kill the captive because it's "his turn," as if they take turns and keep count of the prisoners they kill.

The narrator envisions most of his family and friends and contemplates what they would say about him killing this man who has caused him no personal harm. In fact, the prisoner has a son around the age of the narrator. The family and friends don't speak to the narrator, but he speaks to them. He feels a great sense of condemnation from them. And he recalls stories of heinous atrocities committed by the enemy, such as severing the fingers, one by one, of a sculptor. This is a book of horrors. It was extremely painful to read, but I'm certain it was even more agonizing for Wiesel to live through and then write about. I believe that good people need to be aware of the horrible things that have befallen the Jews during our lifetimes. The book is short and can be read quickly, but be prepared for horror. This is not fiction.