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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 53 votes)
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53 reviews
July 14,2025
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A book that combines all the elements I adore; a non-linear timeline, repetition, and perspective switching. It is truly super thought-provoking. There isn't much else that I can comment on, as my lack of criticism might give the impression that I'm undermining how excellent it is. I really wish I had read it for school or some other educational purpose.

I do indeed wish I had read this sooner. However, reading the Night Trilogy feels almost essential in a certain sense. It makes me wonder how different my understanding of certain themes and concepts would have been if I had encountered this book earlier in my life. The unique narrative techniques used in this book keep the reader engaged and constantly challenged, forcing us to think beyond the surface and explore the deeper meanings hidden within the words.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literature that makes them think and question. It is a powerful and moving work that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
July 14,2025
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Parts for this story seem to read a bit slowly at first, and it takes a little effort to truly get into it. However, it is absolutely worth the investment.

The story itself is truly fascinating. It completely opens up a now interesting inner dialogue within the reader.

Raphael finds himself in a unique position. His curiosity is piqued by the various aspects he encounters on a daily basis during his time at the Mountain Clinic.

There are so many interesting and thought-provoking characters in this story. Each one adds a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. Their actions and words make the reader stop and think, and they contribute to the overall charm and appeal of the story.

Despite the initial slow start, as the story progresses, it becomes more and more engaging, drawing the reader in and keeping them hooked until the very end.
July 14,2025
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A book on madness presents a plethora of explanations, descriptions, and definitions of this complex concept. The main narrator, Raphael, is constantly grappling with the question of whether he himself is mad. He appears to be convinced that he is, yet I hold a different view. Perhaps his extreme sanity is what gives the impression of madness. On the other hand, his accounts of the mad men he encounters are quite revealing. It is interesting to note that they are all male. Are females less prone to madness? Or could it be that few of them survived the war? He mentions that both men and women are in the sanitarium, but we only get to meet the men. Their stories make them seem sane in a way, at least internally logical, as Raphael puts it, "the logic inherent in madness" (p. 175). One madman tells him, "A madman is one whose eyes are always open" (p. 14), cautioning him to keep his eyes open if he wants to follow the madmen. But where would that lead him? Into madness? If he truly understood, the madman implies, he would already be mad. Another offers to guide Raphael towards knowledge, leading to the question of whether knowledge and madness are one and the same. Raphael listens intently but understands less, yet he persists in promising to follow them.


What exactly is madness? It is described as "a prison to which the key has been lost....like the ocean, infinite" (p. 147). The mad are those who "love or hate without constraint... one laughs, one cries, one breaks down doors, even those that are open. One climbs mountains, even those deep in the earth's belly. When one is mad, one is everywhere....When one is mad, one rushes toward the unknown. When one is mad, one becomes the unknown" (p. 147). And yet, it is these very madmen who assist and guide Raphael on his journey through the Twilight of madness.


The structure of the book itself can be quite disorienting, bouncing back and forth through time and place, and between different narrators. Here, "madness and history flow into each other, each feeding the other's delirium" (p. 37). But before history, before Creation, there was madness. "Before Creation, there was a vision of the future, and … that vision could originate only in great madness" (p. 38). So, right from the start of the book, we are led to the conclusion that God is mad, is madness itself. And what about Life? It is "nothing more than the wink of a madman" (p. 213). This thought-provoking book challenges our perceptions of madness and forces us to question the very nature of reality.
July 14,2025
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Madness is indeed a profound question, rather than a simple answer. It doesn't reside in the passive acceptance of time, but rather in the fervent wish to change it. Madness doesn't lurk in solitude alone, but in the individual who faces it.

I don't shy away from entering the realm of madness as long as it doesn't cause me harm. What is the distance that sets man apart from God? What divides life from death? Madness from truth? And words from silence?

I consider myself free, and yet, paradoxically, I am my own prisoner. It's a conundrum that haunts my thoughts. The boundaries between these concepts seem blurred and elusive.

Perhaps in the exploration of madness, we can find a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Maybe it is in the midst of this chaos that we can discover the true essence of freedom and captivity. Only time will tell as I continue to grapple with these profound questions.

July 14,2025
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It is highly characteristic of Wiesel's powerful discourses regarding the Jewish holocaust. However, on this occasion, there is a more intense sense of familial affection and a wealth of Jewish traditions and terminologies. The "Unlight Night" trilogy, in particular, is replete with questions such as "And what about God in all of this?" especially as it approaches the conclusion. The book also offers a certain flavor of the realms of the madmen.


Nonetheless, I discovered that Raphael's characters, including his admiration for Pedro, were not clearly defined. It might potentially serve as a lure for readers to persevere until the end, but I myself was unable to discern it.

July 14,2025
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This novel was extremely confusing, in contrast to the two or three previous books (both fictional and non-fictional) that I have read by Wiesel.

Unlike those, this one lacked chapter divisions. Instead, it would jump around from one paragraph to the next, changing time, place, and characters, making it very challenging for the reader to follow the story line.

For instance, the story involved two different mental institutes - one in Poland in the early 1940s and the other in NY in the present day. Both had characters who believed they were dead. With the story line constantly shifting back and forth between these institutions, it became highly perplexing.

The novel is written from the perspective of Raphael, the sole Holocaust survivor in his family. After informing us that his family members are no longer alive, twenty or thirty pages later, we have a narrative from a family member himself (something Raphael couldn't have known) regarding imprisonment, torture, or capture.

In one part, he has returned to his family home in Poland after the war. There, he is met by a man who wants him to emigrate to Israel. They go, and eventually, they reach Paris and meet up with others who are also emigrating to Israel. The next paragraph begins with something like, "when this war is finally over..." and proceeds to describe the hopes and dreams of the end of the war.

I can't help but suspect that the version I obtained (Simon & Schuster 1988) was perhaps mistranslated. The original was written in French and translated by Wiesel's wife.

I believe that this novel would have been very good if it hadn't been so convoluted and difficult to read.

July 14,2025
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At times, this work can be a bit hard to follow.

However, it offers a truly captivating look at various aspects of humanity, faith, and madness.

It delves deep into how each and every one of us experiences these complex and profound elements in our lives.

The question "Where is God in all of this?" lingers throughout, adding an extra layer of mystery and thought-provoking depth.

It makes us question our own beliefs and perspectives, and forces us to confront the often-uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the world around us.

Despite its challenges, this exploration of the human condition is both engaging and enlightening, leaving us with a newfound appreciation for the power of these themes and their impact on our lives.

July 14,2025
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I was really fascinated by Wiesel after we read Night in school.

This book was read by me about ten years ago, and unfortunately, I don't remember anything about its content.

However, the me from ten years ago still highly recommends Wiesel to everyone. :)

If I ever have the opportunity, I will definitely have to reread some of his works. :)

Wiesel's writing is known for its powerful and poignant portrayal of the Holocaust and its impact on the human spirit.

His words have the ability to move and inspire readers, making them reflect on the atrocities of the past and the importance of remembering.

Rereading his works would not only help me recall the details of Night but also allow me to gain a deeper understanding of his message.

I look forward to the chance to explore Wiesel's literature once again and be reminded of the significance of his words.
July 14,2025
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This book was truly intriguing.

Even as fiction, it was horrifying to read about the times during the Holocaust for the Jewish people. The events and the suffering they endured were vividly described, making it a harrowing experience.

However, the story that surrounded this historical backdrop was also equally captivating. It delved into the concept of madness and how it can gradually overtake people's lives.

The author's exploration of the human psyche in such extreme circumstances was very interesting. It made me question how far a person can go when pushed to the brink of insanity.

The book not only provided a glimpse into a dark period of history but also offered a profound examination of the human condition.

Overall, it was a thought-provoking and engaging read that left a lasting impression on me.
July 14,2025
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I have just completed this extraordinary novel, and I find myself in a state of uncertainty regarding my feelings towards it.

Elie Wiesel's writing style is exceptionally beautiful. Given that Wiesel is a Holocaust survivor himself, this novel inundates the reader with pure and unadulterated emotions.

It also poses several highly interesting and crucial questions about life, death, and God Himself, as well as how He could allow something as dreadful as the Holocaust to occur.

I suppose I would have absolutely adored this book if it weren't for the ending. Wiesel leaves numerous questions unanswered, and to be honest, that might be what works best for this book considering its overall concept.

Nevertheless, I would have cherished obtaining my answers.
July 14,2025
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Great Book

A great book is like a magical portal that transports us to different worlds and allows us to experience a myriad of emotions. It has the power to captivate our minds, engage our hearts, and expand our horizons. Whether it's a thrilling adventure story, a thought-provoking novel, or an informative non-fiction work, a great book has the ability to leave a lasting impact on its readers.



The pages of a great book are filled with words that dance and sing, painting vivid pictures in our imaginations. We can lose ourselves in the story, forget about the outside world, and become completely immersed in the lives of the characters. A great book can make us laugh out loud, cry our hearts out, or sit on the edge of our seats in anticipation.



In addition to providing entertainment, a great book can also teach us valuable lessons about life, love, and the human condition. It can inspire us to be better people, to pursue our dreams, and to make a difference in the world. A great book is truly a treasure that we can cherish and revisit time and time again.

July 14,2025
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This is not the vampire book.

It is written by the same author who penned Night.

I have not been able to progress very far in Night as it is极其悲伤.

This one is also sad, yet there are numerous beautiful gems of wisdom concealed throughout all the sadness.

The author seems to have a unique way of presenting the harsh realities of life while still managing to sprinkle in these nuggets of wisdom.

It makes the reading experience both poignant and thought-provoking.

Even though the overall tone is sad, one cannot help but be drawn in by the profound insights and the masterful storytelling.

It is a book that forces you to confront the darker aspects of life while also offering a glimmer of hope and wisdom.

Despite its sadness, it has the power to touch your heart and make you reflect on your own life and experiences.

It is truly a remarkable work that stands out among others.
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