itibaren Kleymenovo, Orlovskaya oblast', Rusya, 302534
The premise is thought-provoking, but the writing is mediocre. The viewpoint swings between Michael, the struggling son of a concentration camp survivor, and his father Heshel, a Jewish human rights advocate with severe Alzheimer's. Michael's voice lacks any of the complexity found in similar characters, such as the unnamed son who narrates Wiesel's The Fifth Son. But while Heshel's voice is not as raw and profound as others, Lavigne uses him as a strong catalyst figure: can you change who you are? If there is not forgiveness, is there redemption? Why did so many people play their parts in running the death camps? Truly, is God the judge of those who participated, or (as some have suggested) can there never be salvation without the forgiveness of those you have persecuted? It's an unsettling read and ripe for discussion, but do not expect well-crafted characterization or language. Then again, maybe it's never fair to compare fellow Holocaust writers to the likes of Elie Wiesel and Primo Levi.
excellent. great language and rhythm, eg: "he mashed his palm to his forehead," "you can kiss my flurry ass, said the cat," and "we run/ like smoke in a big wind/ we run."