
Like many others who experienced the unspeakable terrors of Nazi Germany, Edith Beer admits she didn’t talk openly about her experiences for many decades and only agreed to tell her story at the insistence of her daughter.
Perhaps what I sensed, while I read, is that she was never able to overcome her reticence completely. The facts are there, presented in a clear, chronological way. And the events themselves are interesting — like the increasingly repressive acts against the Jews, the arbitrary nature of people’s fate, the forced labor, and endless shortages of food and supplies. But there’s something about the psychological trauma portrayed that feels thin.

It’s too bad because I admire the author’s story itself — her bravery and strength. Maybe a more talented writing partner could have brought that story more to life.