Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Dominique

This short yet powerful book left me speechless—how could anyone so young face all of the hardships Elie did during the Holocaust? Elie saw those around him suffering in the camps, even suffering himself. He witnessed death, cruelty, and other horrors no one should ever have to face. He was exhausted by the end of every day, wondering if he’d be alive the next morning. His father was in his camp as well, but when he is finally worn down, Elie’s father falls ill. There is no place for the sick and dying in these cruel camps and Elie knows that it won’t be long until someone notices his father’s illness. But how can he save his father? The food is meager for everyone and no one has enough of anything—will his father live?

Night was a touching (and depressing at points) story filled with grief, cruelty, suffering, death, and regret—things that one so young should not feel and witness every day.