Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
34(34%)
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33(33%)
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33(33%)
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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This was an extremely interesting story that centered around a man who was in the process of recovering from an accident.

As the narrative unfolded, we gradually learned more about his background, and it became evident why this was regarded as the third part of the Night trilogy, despite being fiction like the second book.

We witnessed how his experiences had deeply affected him, shaping his view of life and relationships.

The story was rich with flashbacks, and I was particularly captivated by the man on the boat.

Although there wasn't an abundance of action, the main emphasis was on the psychological impact of his suffering.

Wiesel skillfully kept the reader eager for more, even though not all aspects were ultimately resolved. In fact, at times, it was probably for the best that way, as it left the reader with much to ponder.

I had long desired to read this, and while it might not have been exactly what I had anticipated (I had assumed it would be more of Wiesel's personal journey), it was undoubtedly worthwhile and engaging.

It offered a unique perspective on the human psyche and the aftermath of trauma.

Overall, it was a thought-provoking and memorable read.
July 14,2025
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I recall this novel being vivid; not refracted through memory or parable.

The story was so real and engaging that it felt as if it was happening right before my eyes.

The couple in the novel went to see the film adaptation of Brothers Karamzaov.

This particular detail stands out in my mind even after 18 years.

It's odd to recall such a specific incident so clearly after all this time.

Perhaps it was the significance of the film or the emotions it evoked in the couple that made it so memorable.

As I think about it now, I can picture the couple sitting in the theater, their eyes fixed on the screen, completely immersed in the story.

The novel had a profound impact on me, and this one detail is just a small part of its overall charm.

It makes me wonder what other hidden gems I might discover if I were to read the novel again.
July 14,2025
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I'm truly glad that I took the time to read "Night." However, when I reflect upon it, there really wasn't a particularly good reason for me to have chosen this book.

I can't say that I derived any great enjoyment from its style. The characters, too, failed to truly engage me on a deep level. I found myself rather indifferent towards any of the details or the underlying meaning that the author might have intended to convey.

I understand that our main character was in a rather desperate state, perhaps even depressed to the point of being suicidal. But, to be honest, I really didn't find myself caring all that much.

The book was, for the most part, readable. But at the same time, it was also mostly tiresome. It was presented as a character study, but I'm left wondering if that was really such a good thing. Maybe it was just a bit too one-sided or perhaps it didn't offer enough variety to keep my interest fully piqued throughout.

Overall, while I'm glad I read it, I can't say that it was a particularly memorable or enjoyable experience for me.
July 14,2025
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I really feel that I might be in need of an antidepressant after going through this.

It's just so disheartening and overwhelming. The emotions that well up inside me are almost too much to bear.

I find myself sighing constantly, as if each sigh could release some of the built-up stress and sadness.

It's as if a heavy cloud has settled over my heart, making it difficult to see any glimmer of hope or light.

I wonder if others feel the same way when they encounter such things.

Maybe I'm just being too sensitive, but the impact it has on me is undeniable.

I hope that somehow, I can find a way to lift this burden and move forward with a more positive mindset.
July 14,2025
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This is truly such a beautiful book that delves into a horrifying part of history, namely the Holocaust. Wiesel poses a profound question: How can a man, who has endured the overwhelming grief and trauma of selective death and witnessed the wickedness of those who perpetrated such atrocities, manage to become a fully realized individual capable of loving deeply?

This book is the third in a series that includes "Night," "Dawn," and "Day," which was originally titled "The Accident." Each book in this series likely offers a unique perspective on the complex and harrowing experiences of the Holocaust.

Wiesel's exploration of the human condition in the face of such extreme adversity is both poignant and thought-provoking. It forces readers to confront the darkest aspects of history and consider how one can find hope and love in the midst of such horror.

Overall, this series is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of never forgetting the atrocities of the past.
July 14,2025
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This short novel is truly powerful, and at times, it can be harrowing.

The writing style is compressed, yet the tone remains conversational. One might not initially think that the language could handle such large and profound themes as God, the Holocaust, Hell, Suffering, and Love, which the author has so skillfully freighted it with.

Surprisingly, it is the very lightness of the language that effectively buoys the weighty subject matter. There is even a touch of humor, although it is of a very black and gallows variety. The writing is deft, possessing a wonderful contiguity and a narrative cohesion as the incidents unfold.

It is Wiesel's second novel and a translation from the French. The narrator, a Holocaust survivor, is in wrenching pain, both physically and emotionally. He is unable to let go of the past, which is filled with the memories of many dead. At any other time, he would probably be a morose and dull fellow. However, when he steps off a curb in Times Square and is struck by a cab, his painful emotional life is brought to the forefront. The accident is a nasty one, and this febrile, near-death experience reanimates his sense of personal loss.

This is essentially a philosophical novel, but it is so nicely undergirded with action that the reader is never adrift in abstractions. Eliezer, the narrator, cannot let go of his anger and despair. He was raised with a strong belief in God, which his experience in the camps has annihilated. Kathleen, raised in affluence in the US, is his lover who, like Eliezer, but for different reasons, cannot wrap her mind around "the event." Both are sufferers of what psychologists would call survivor guilt.

Don't let this crude partial summary I'm providing here put you off. The writing is nuanced, beautiful, and as Anthony Burgess once said in praising another book, "almost unbearably moving." Highly recommended.
July 14,2025
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Well written novela that was often disturbing.

It had a certain allure that kept pulling me in, even though it made me feel uncomfortable at times. The author had a unique way of presenting the story, making it both captivating and challenging.

Despite the many uncomfortable moments, there was always a message worth trying to understand. It made me think deeply about various aspects of life and human nature.

The last page deeply upset me but I suppose that was the point. It left me with a sense of shock and a lingering feeling of unease.

Overall, it was a powerful and thought-provoking novela that will stay with me for a long time.
July 14,2025
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Truth be told, after reading "Night" and "Dawn", "Day" was an underwhelming letdown.

Perhaps some may think that it is acceptable if not regarded as a sequel to the two previous volumes. However, I would contend that even as a standalone, it isn't great either.

Wiesel makes some good and honest points. For instance, there is truly no meaning in pain and suffering. People often mistake "suffering" for "perseverance". With the latter, one can indeed find meaning in overcoming or surviving something terrible. But suffering in itself has no meaning, and although it is bleak, it does tend to bring out the worst in people.

The main character experiences suffering but not necessarily perseverance. The details of his dark past contribute to this outcome, and then he completely succumbs to the suffering. This is not an inauthentic response. The problem is that he uses this internal turmoil as an excuse to use the women around him as a means to unleash these emotions.

While I initially felt sorry for Kathleen, I was ultimately left frustrated with her two-dimensional rigidity. It's difficult to maintain sympathy for characters who are written solely to serve as a catalyst for change in a male character's personal growth. That's just a dull and unappealing plot device.

Finally, while I could view this as a fictional sequel to "Night", this novel doesn't really address the events of "Dawn". Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but given how things ended in "Dawn", it doesn't make much narrative sense that there would be no reflections on what seemed to be rather significant acts.

Overall, I didn't like it, but you should read it and decide for yourself.
July 14,2025
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I don't really know how to write proper book reviews. All I know is what I feel when I'm engrossed in a book. For instance, when I read "Night," I was literally moved to tears as I turned the pages. The horror described in it was just overwhelming!

What truly attracts me about Wiesel's writing is his use of complex metaphors to vividly depict his experiences and the people he encountered. His words have the power to make me think deeply and evolve my consciousness. I firmly believe that if an author can have such a profound impact on a reader, then that individual is truly a master of their craft. Wiesel's ability to convey the atrocities of the Holocaust in such a powerful and emotional way is truly remarkable. It makes me appreciate the importance of literature in educating and sensitizing people about the horrors of the past.
July 14,2025
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Another account of post war trauma

It is highly notable that once the war is over, the damage faced during that period in terms of both health and wealth is far worse.

For me, this book was an eye-opening experience regarding the psychological trauma one endures throughout his lifetime if he survives war.

One forgets how to love and live the remaining part of his life. No matter where he goes and what he does, he sees the ghosts of his past. This book gives a detailed account of all that.

The story revolves around a man who is a survivor of WWII. But at what cost? He lost all his family, and he somehow blames himself. This blame reveals a lot more about how he managed to survive when others died. He finds a girl who is in love with him, but he cannot bring himself to love her back. The thoughts of the past constantly adorn his mind, which once belonged to a young boy still finding his way in this world.

The man is haunted by his past, and it affects his present and future. The book explores the themes of guilt, loss, and the struggle to move on. It shows how war can have a lasting impact on a person's life and how difficult it can be to overcome the psychological trauma.

Overall, this is a powerful and moving account of post war trauma that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.
July 14,2025
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This is the third book authored by Wiesel, each one distinct yet sharing the same theme. His first work, "Night," was non-fiction, while his other two short novels, "Dawn" and "Day," are fictional. However, with a writing mind that cannot overlook the memories of the horror he endured, Wiesel weaves a tale that is both fictional and personal. His character, not exactly himself but still bearing his essence, tells the story of a man who has survived while many of his family and friends have perished. He meets the beautiful Kathleen, who attempts to bring him happiness, but the specter of the dead haunts him and prevents him from fully experiencing it. Suddenly, an accident occurs, causing him to reflect deeply on his life and question whether he should hold onto it or let go. This is a very interesting exploration of life and loss, delving into the complex emotions and thoughts that arise when faced with such profound experiences.

July 14,2025
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“Where would you like to go?” Kathleen inquired.


She pretended not to have noticed how pale I was. Who knows, I thought. She too perhaps will learn how to lie.


“Far,” I answered. “Very far.”


“I’ll go with you,” she declared.


The sadness and bitterness of her voice filled me with pity. Kathleen has changed, I told myself. She, who believed in defiance, in fighting, in hatred, had now chosen to submit. She, who refused to follow any call that didn’t come from herself, now recognized defeat. I knew that our suffering changes us. But I didn’t know that it could also destroy others.


*****


“You can lean on Kathleen. She’ll be happy if you lean on her. Receiving is a superior form of generosity. Make her happy. A little happiness justifies the effort of a whole life.”

Kathleen's offer to go with me was both unexpected and touching. Her voice, though filled with sadness and bitterness, carried a glimmer of hope. I could sense the change in her, a transformation from the once-defiant and strong-willed person to someone who now seemed more vulnerable. It made me wonder what had happened to her to cause such a shift. Maybe her own experiences of suffering had taken a toll on her spirit.

As I thought about her words, I realized that perhaps leaning on her could bring her a sense of purpose and happiness. Receiving can indeed be a form of generosity, and by allowing her to support me, I might be giving her something precious.

I decided to take her up on her offer. Maybe together, we could find a way to heal and move forward.
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