Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Book Review: The Ark

The Ark, by Margot Benary-Isbert.

If you are one of those highly blessed people whose library actually owns a copy of this book, CHECK IT OUT!!

Or, if you're willing to take it on my recommendation alone and buy it, you can get it on AMAZON HERE for only $24. E-bay isn't any cheaper.

Why is it so expensive? Because it's rare. I couldn't even find a picture of it, to show you, and alas I already returned my copy to the library.

But, if you can get this book, do! It was so very good!!

I'll give you a little history.

Margot Benary-Isbert, lived in Germany during World War II. After the war was over she and her husband were relocated (their house had been destroyed) to a one family apartment which they shared with two other families. Margot wrote this book by candlelight while they lived there. So, if you're wondering about aunthenticity, don't. This is a very clear and accurate picture of life in a defeated country.

The book tells the story of the Lechow family. They're not Nazis, but they live in Germany. The father is a Dr. who was drafted and sent to the front lines in Russia. Their house is destroyed in a bomb, which also takes the life of one son. The family is moved around to various refugee camps, and finally after the war is over the housing office sends them to live with an elderly woman who has two attic rooms for them. The heart of the story is the strong binds of family love, it is the only thing that remains to this family who has lost absolutely everything. Including their future. Every plan they might have had is thrown out the window as they fight just to survive.

I can't tell you how much this book affected me. It is clearly and simply written, and the author's yearning for better times jumps off the page and right into the reader's heart.

I've got 2 thumbs, they're both up.

2 comments:

MaureenE said...

You already know how much I love it! :D

Lady Dvora said...

So this book is at our library? Highly blessed me!!!!

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