Christina Houck - Prisoner B-3087
Personally, I am tired of reading holocaust novels by now. I have read them in almost every school year since middle school. I understand the topic is a sensitive one, and it is definitely one that deserves recognition. The holocaust was a tragedy; moreover, I will never understand what these people went through. And yet, I still wish we, as a educational society in literature, would focus on this topic perhaps two or three times instead of thrice that. I've read so many novels since middle school pertaining to the holocaust. If I had known about this book before I would have enjoyed reading it in my leisure time, but academically I could have done without. I can't say it takes away from the terror, although, because it doesn't. There's just too much horror to say that I've "read it all." Still, I feel as though I've "read it all."
That aside, this novel does an excellent job of throwing you into the horror of a dystopian society. There is a lack of imagery, in my opinion, that would take away from the ambiance of what Yanek experiences. I think the lack of super detailed vision (comparatively to vast descriptiveness of The World Made Straight and A Long Way Gone) reflects Yanek's youth. As he grows older, he begins to describe the world around him more, but at the beginning everything seemed almost plain and bland from the lack of description. I think Gratz was attempting to push out the idea that you only see the world's beauty when you have nothing left to appreciate for yourself.
I got really attached to Yanek, especially at the end of the book. He constantly asked himself the same question, "Had I survived [a certain number of things] all so I could die in a muddy ditch?" (191). He had a mantra he would repeat to himself as well. He always told himself he would not die to the hands of the Nazis. Instead, he forced himself to go on, determined not only to survive, but to thrive as best he can. I respect that for an adolescent in his situation. I can relate to him in this single aspect: I would refuse to die as well. Of course, I say this ignorantly, knowing I will never face what he faced, but that is how I feel.
The novel itself kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn't really want to put it down and finished it early because of that. I wouldn't mind teaching this book to middle school students, as it is an easy read and doesn't contain too many overly-graphic scenes. On the flip side, I would not teach this to high school students as I think it would be almost too much of an easy read.
That aside, this novel does an excellent job of throwing you into the horror of a dystopian society. There is a lack of imagery, in my opinion, that would take away from the ambiance of what Yanek experiences. I think the lack of super detailed vision (comparatively to vast descriptiveness of The World Made Straight and A Long Way Gone) reflects Yanek's youth. As he grows older, he begins to describe the world around him more, but at the beginning everything seemed almost plain and bland from the lack of description. I think Gratz was attempting to push out the idea that you only see the world's beauty when you have nothing left to appreciate for yourself.
I got really attached to Yanek, especially at the end of the book. He constantly asked himself the same question, "Had I survived [a certain number of things] all so I could die in a muddy ditch?" (191). He had a mantra he would repeat to himself as well. He always told himself he would not die to the hands of the Nazis. Instead, he forced himself to go on, determined not only to survive, but to thrive as best he can. I respect that for an adolescent in his situation. I can relate to him in this single aspect: I would refuse to die as well. Of course, I say this ignorantly, knowing I will never face what he faced, but that is how I feel.
The novel itself kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn't really want to put it down and finished it early because of that. I wouldn't mind teaching this book to middle school students, as it is an easy read and doesn't contain too many overly-graphic scenes. On the flip side, I would not teach this to high school students as I think it would be almost too much of an easy read.
I understand how it seems as if we've read everything about the Holocaust; but, at the same time their all different stories being told from people's personal experience. I think this novel has to be one of the best ones.
ReplyDeleteI have to completely disagree with you in terms of diverting our focus away from the stories of the Holocaust. I'm sure you've heard the saying "if you don't know your history, then you are doomed to repeat it"? I find a lot of people with your point of view saying they are tired of reading about the Holocaust and discussing it. However, I think reading about these experiences goes beyond a Holocaust story. We need to analyze the events prior to the Holocaust and their effects, because in our own country today we are experiencing similar things to what happened in pre-WWII Germany (i.e. forcing children to stand for the pledge, the forced nationalism in that). Rather than just saying we have heard it all before, we need to internalize these stories and really think about what they mean and learn from them.
ReplyDeleteI do agree though that I became so attached to Yanek, as well. He was so incredibly strong and managed to hold on to his humanity which I think is commendable given all of the things he witnesses and has to experience.
I didn't think of it at first, but I can understand your opinion that Gratz may have been trying to show that you only understand the beauty of things in life when you have nothing left to appreciate. I don't agree that the first part of the story was bland. I think that Gratz wanted to get the idea out that Yanek was living this normal life just like any other kid, then in a matter of days his life changes for the worst. I think he was trying to get readers to see that you should appreciate the small things in life more. But like you this novel kept me on my feet as well. The ending part was my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea you drew from Gratz's change in descriptions. I can't say that I noticed it personally, but it's interesting to me now that I've read your post. I also think that his lack of description at the beginning of the novel reflects his mentality at age 10. His lack of description of his surroundings (imagery) that you mentioned seems to bluntly illustrate his lack of worry before the invasion of Nazi power. The concept of time -- the time passing from Yanek at age 10 to age 16 -- is very prominent in the novel.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea you drew from Gratz's change in descriptions. I can't say that I noticed it personally, but it's interesting to me now that I've read your post. I also think that his lack of description at the beginning of the novel reflects his mentality at age 10. His lack of description of his surroundings (imagery) that you mentioned seems to bluntly illustrate his lack of worry before the invasion of Nazi power. The concept of time -- the time passing from Yanek at age 10 to age 16 -- is very prominent in the novel.
ReplyDelete