Survival in Auschwitz

Survival in AuschwitzSurvival in Auschwitz by Primo Levi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the midst of the hardest known physical struggle, a myriad of lessons were learned. It is no surprise that during the most inhumane event in recent history, humanity and its opposite, dehumanization, were the basis upon which hope was maintained. The message of the book revolves around keeping that one attribute that keeps us not just living, but alive. This attribute is our own human-ness. To take care of oneself when there is no other reason to. To eat with the possibility of no other meals. To look forward to a tomorrow that may not exist. To keep hope whilst believing there is no change in the future. As the master of destiny, in line with a little bit of luck, Primo Levi offers this historical biography of his feelings and stories from the Holocaust concentration camp. After being captured in Italy, he was transferred to Auschwitz where he remained until "the end". This is not a masterful piece of literature meant to stun with epic plot twists and exaggerated characterization. This is a chemist making note of his personal experiences and thoughts. Read as such, this genius book invites readers to feel the anguish and contemplate the cause so that these things will never happen again in any form. What is interesting to note is that in different forms, it is argued that these things are happening again today. Can you see how?


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