A Gypsy in Auschwitz by Otto Rosenberg

Rating:

5 Stars

Themes:

Memoir, Holocaust, Non-Fiction, Biography, War

Thoughts:

Another poignant holocaust story, this time highlighting areas not commonly taught/known. Despite knowing Gypsy's were sent to Auschwitz and it being mentioned breifly in other stories like the Tattoist of Auschwitz, the stories of those held in the Gypsy camp aren't as widely known or spoken of as others held in the camp (such as Jews or POWs). Otto is just a child when everything started and as he grows both in age and experiences, talking us as readers through his journey into the camp and survival as if as it happens. It can be a difficult read at times, especially things such as the soldiers speaking to him as a child by his name while knowing exactly what they were doing to him and his campmates in the camp before transportation to Auschwitz.

Favourite Quote:

"In a situation like that, you lose all sense of compassion. Your only instinct is to kick, beat and steal in pursuit of some advantage that might help you survive. If, whenever it was all over, you recall looked at those people, recall scrutinized theory faces like I did, you would see that they were hardly people anymore; they were more like dumb beasts."

Comments

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