Interesting for disscussion groups as it evokes different reactions in people.One of the main questions is what would you do to help your child survive in such a world? Could you keep searching for better? would you give up? stay in one place or suicide? I liked the book alot but many in our group found it pointless and hard to read. I thought it was written in a stream of consciousness manner that reflected the lack or structure and rules around them.
There was not much to say when each day was so much the same but the survival of the human race and spirit depended on those who would not give up. You never know what might be down the road.

I only somewhat enjoyed this book. This is partly due to the long grandfathers memoirs and partly due to the dark daily thoughts of the twin without mental disorders. IT IS a GOOD PORTRAYAL of the difficulties faces by both those with and those trying to help those with mental disabilities.
The historical family history comes alive through this authors great talent but I found it has a rushed ending in the last few pages. The insights into family history that we rarely get to glimpse even in our own was exciting and insightful but the quick glib ending that ties it all up was out of character with the rest of the book.

Very readable and has points on questioning religion and the death penalty. I did not rate it high because I was not surprised by any points in the book and found it predictable.

A deep look at an evil era that did terrible things not only to Jews but to their own people. Great read right up to last chapter when they kind of throw things in. Makes for good talk groups.

VERY Enjoyable if looking for something different! I think the book leads to many interesting discussions about everything from beliefs in the afterlife to twists of manipulation and dark webs weaved.

A multi-layered imaginative book that evokes childhood memories and fears. The power of the mind and books themselves are explored but leaves the reader often wondering where our reality lies: in the mind or in the external world. All that sounds heavy but the the book leads you quickly through a weaving of half remembered fairy tales and the fears stirred up around the camp fire on dark nights. As children we all wish to be as brave as that little boy and as adults we often face a world just as scary.