Cori-Beth's Books

A profound book based on a true story about a young teen girl who was assigned to be the librarian of Block 31, part of a family camp, by Fredy Hirsch (please Google information about him!), in the death camp of Auschwitz. Books are forbidden by the Nazis, but eight torn and tattered books have been smuggled in and it's Dita's job to hide them when necessary within the Block that has become a secret school for children (also forbidden), and pass them out between teachers when they are required. Everything from history, literature, and geography are among the scant amount of books. She has also acquired "living books" that can be loaned out. These are people who have many stories of their own to pass on to the children.

Throughout the book, Dita must cope with death, loss of loved ones, fear, and an uncertain future. She does find joy in the smallest things as well, like when a seemingly mad Professor was trying to catch snowflakes with a butterfly net. Intertwined are not only the stories of others who are at Auschwitz, fellow prisoners as well as officers, but also Dita applying books that she has read along the way in her young life. She relates them to her current situation and what she will do afterwards if she makes it out alive.

A few of the passages that stuck out to me are as follows:

"Throughout history, all dictators, tyrants, and oppressors, whatever their ideology—whether Aryan, African, Asian, Arab, Slav, or any other racial background; whether defenders of popular revolutions, or the privileges of the upper classes, or God’s mandate, or martial law—have had one thing in common: the vicious persecution of the written word. Books are extremely dangerous; they make people think." (Pages 3-4)

"Truth is the first casualty of war." (Page 265)

"War is like an overflowing river: It's hard to control and, if you put up a small barrier, it only gets swept along in it's path." (page 324)

Of course, the whole book was intense and even disturbing in parts, a necessary disturbance. I found myself at some parts even completely disgusted and gasping, covering my mouth in horror at the atrocities. You know, but you don't know, what happened at these concentration camps. Not just death, but what the prisoners had to live with and how they lived (if they did), and the disgusting things they had to deal with on a daily bases, even from the SS.

Dita knows that despite all this she has a job to do. For the children, and for herself. It is quite enlightening when you realise that books are needed for survival. It sparks the imagination and joy. It keeps hope alive when there seems to be no hope.

Dita is a survivor, a fighter, and a hero, even. Her story lives on in the hearts and minds of those who are still alive to know it and their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And in the four-hundred-twenty-three page book by Antonio Iturbe, The Librarian of Auschwitz.

A must read for those who would like to learn another side of the story. 5 stars out of 5.

*Please note, there is some harsh language in this book and many disturbing themes. Not recommended for teens or young children.