The Forgotten

Eli Wiesel's books are understandably very dark.

I decided to give this one another try as I had put it down about one-third of the way through last year.

The issue for me, I think, is that I attempted to read too many of his books consecutively, and that wasn't a good idea.

I say this with some hesitation, but I did enjoy reading this book, and here are the reasons why my response to it is different this time.

Certainly, the subject matter hasn't changed, so this book isn't a delight in the traditional sense.

However, I can notice some differences in the way he portrays the story of his family compared to the first book, "Night".

"Night" and "Dawn" are telling us the story, and by the time we reach "The Forgotten", we're not only hearing or reading the story but also getting a different analysis of the character experiences.

The jacket claims that this book is very moving, and I found that to be true.

I will probably read this book again, but not for a long while. I may also go back and read others to see if my experience with his works changes.

Maybe college classes should also require this book as reading material.

When I took my Holocaust history class back in the 90s, "Night" and "Dawn" were required reading.

I sometimes take a break from reading his novels, but I usually return to them because I find them both dark and enlightening.

If a book can be two things at once, perhaps it's because he is a primary source for Holocaust experiences, and now we're getting third-hand sources, which is leading to a different understanding and relating of them.

If you do read this book, just be aware that it switches between time periods very quickly at times, so keep an eye out for that. It is a very good read.

I will not go into detail about this book other than to say it is a profound lesson on how to give love and how to receive love.

It makes us reflect on our own relationships and the way we express and experience love.

Don't we all wish we had a father like Elhanon? His character and actions in the story serve as an inspiration.

Elhanon shows us the importance of unconditional love, patience, and understanding.

He is always there for his children, ready to offer support and guidance.

His love is not based on achievements or conditions, but on a deep and genuine connection.

Reading about Elhanon makes us long for such a father figure in our own lives.

It also makes us realize that we can strive to be more like him in our relationships with others.

By giving love selflessly and being open to receiving it, we can build stronger and more fulfilling connections.

This book truly has the power to touch our hearts and change the way we view love.

For what is a Jew without his memory? It is an essential part of his identity, connecting him back to the great figures of Moses, Abraham, and Rabbi Akiva. It is a heartbreaking journey for a son who must carry the memories of his father, both the heroic and the shameful, as they dim so quickly. The remembrance of the resistance during WWII up to the founding of Israel is passed down from generation to generation.

Only memory matters. Mine sometimes overflows because it harbors my father's memories too, since his mind has become like a sieve, or perhaps an autumn leaf, dried and torn. It's more like a phantom that I see only at midnight. I know one cannot truly see a memory, but I can. I see it as the shadow of a shadow that constantly withdraws and turns inward. I hardly get a glimpse before it vanishes into the abyss.

Oh, to recover faith and the innocence of before. To live in the moment, to hold desire and fulfillment in one's grasp, to fuse with someone else and with oneself, to become infinity.

We're the only ones who know what death is all about and the earth itself. Just let someone try to muscle in on our work, and the earth will swallow him up like that, believe me. The earth is kind to us gravediggers. It doesn't complain; it lets itself be worked over. It accepts what we give it. It endures the assassin's arrogance and the victim's tears. It's open to everybody at any moment; the great conqueror is the earth, for it is the earth that raises the dead and feeds the living.

To learn is to receive, and then it is to give, and then it is to give again.

Melt down the fat. Cut the cosmetics and coloratura. The classic rule of good journalism: honor the verb, sacrifice the adjective.

God does not create other people so we could turn our backs on them.

Wasn't forgetfulness a gift of the gods to the ancient world? Without it, life would be intolerable, wouldn't it? Yes, but the Jews live by other rules. For a Jew, nothing is more important than memory. He is bound to his origins by memory. It is memory that connects him to Abraham, Moses, and Rabbi Akiva.

It's a laugh that comes from beyond happiness and sadness, from beyond faith and anger. It's a laugh that only the dead can appreciate.

Men are wrong to think that the blind cannot see. The truth is that they see, but differently. I would even say that they see something other.

And what do you take care of? What people throw away, what history rejects, what memory denies. The smile of a starving child, the years of its dying mother, the silent prayers of the condemned man and the cries of his friend: I gather them up and preserve them. In this city, I am memory.

Death alone is invisible. Man's end was the same everywhere.

Forgetfulness was for him the death not only of knowledge but also of imagination.

Forgetfulness was a worse scourge than madness: the sick man is not somewhere else; he is nowhere. He is not another, he is no one.

It is an admission of conflict and separation; these God creates and destroys, by His presence as much as by His absence. All is possible with Him; nothing is possible without Him. But the opposite is equally true. Never forget what the ancient taught us: God exists in contradictions too. He is the limit of all things, and He is what extends the limit.

Our sages teach us that two angels attach themselves to a man at birth and never leave him. One walks before and helps him climb mountains, the other follows in the shadows and pushes him toward his fall.

A melancholic and sad book. As a fan of this theme, this book is different from all the ones I have read about the Holocaust. It delves deep into the emotions and experiences of the characters, painting a vivid and heart-wrenching picture of that dark period in history. The author's writing style is both beautiful and poignant, making it easy for the reader to become fully immersed in the story. Despite its sadness, there are also moments of hope and resilience that shine through, giving the reader a glimmer of light in the midst of the darkness. Overall, this is a powerful and moving book that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in learning more about the Holocaust or simply looking for a thought-provoking read.

Borrowing from the library is a common practice for many book lovers. However, sometimes the books we borrow don't always meet our expectations. In my case, I have to admit that I lied when I said I didn't read this particular book. In fact, I did start reading it, but I just haven't been able to finish this novel. I had previously loved Wiesel's works like "Day, Dawn and Night," but this one was really hard to get into. I am a little disappointed with myself for not being able to complete it. I have kept this book for about 3 weeks now, and I have finally faced the fact that I will not be finishing it. I feel a bit sorry towards Mr. Wiesel as I really tried my best to get through it, but unfortunately, it just didn't click with me.

Deep.

Stopping to think between the lines is an absolute necessity when delving into this highly thoughtful novel.

The author has crafted a narrative that requires careful consideration and reflection.

However, I found myself having some difficulty in fully following the story at times.

This led me to award it four stars instead of five.

Despite this minor drawback, overall I truly liked the novel.

The depth of the characters and the complexity of the themes presented made it a worthwhile read.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy thought-provoking literature and are willing to invest the time and effort to fully understand the story.

It is a novel that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.

"Ogni vittoria è provvisoria, e quella sul tempo più delle altre." (p. 176)

This profound statement emphasizes the transient nature of all victories. In life, we often strive for success and achievement, believing that once we attain a certain goal, we have triumphed. However, this quote reminds us that no victory is permanent.

Victories can be fleeting, especially when it comes to the passage of time. What may seem like a great accomplishment today may lose its significance tomorrow. Time has a way of changing circumstances, perspectives, and values. It can erode the glory of our victories and make them seem less important in the grand scheme of things.

We should not become complacent or overly attached to our victories. Instead, we should use them as a springboard for further growth and learning. We should be prepared to face new challenges and strive for new victories, knowing that each one is only temporary. By maintaining a humble and flexible attitude, we can better navigate the ever-changing tides of life and continue to evolve and improve.

A labyrinth of emotions, losses, hopes, and possibilities.

Emotions can be like a complex maze, leading us in unexpected directions. We experience joy, sadness, anger, and love, often without warning. Losses, too, can throw us off balance, whether it's the loss of a loved one, a job, or a dream. But within this labyrinth, there are also glimmers of hope. Hope that things will get better, that we will find a way out. And with hope comes the possibility of new beginnings, of growth and transformation.

We may feel lost and confused at times, but if we keep moving forward, we will eventually find our way. The labyrinth of emotions, losses, hopes, and possibilities is a journey that we all must take. It is through this journey that we learn, grow, and become the people we are meant to be.