This book is a horrifying testimony to the cruelties and tragedies at the Auschwitz camp during the reign of Hitler.
I have always been intrigued by the audacity of the mass killings during the Nazi era. How could they have got away with it? Transporting people in hundreds and thousands to the camp, calmly walking them into a gas chamber, shutting them in…and that was the end!!!!! The author, Dr Miklos Nyiszli was spared to perform scientific research on his fellow inmates. Miraculously he survives with the Russians advancing in. Even after the gates of Auschwitz were opened for all to walk out, their journey to safety and peace in the last few pages is heart-wrenching. Walking in minus degree temperatures and bodies strewn in snow, I can imagine the mental impact on the survivors.
The disregard for human life and the complete indifference to human suffering exhibited appalling. I wonder if in today’s time would it be possible? With the advent of extremely advanced modes of communications, i doubt so.
Preeta Chag 