“The Reawakening”, by Primo Levi, is Levi’s sequel to Survival in Auschwitz. It is a deeply powerful, compelling and affecting memoir, written from the perspective of having been liberated, in January 1945, from Auschwitz.

“The Reawakening” follows the events that occurred from the moment Levi was liberated, and his bizarre journey back home to Turin, Italy. Along the way he meets other liberated prisoners, traveling back to their homeland, along with country peasants, Russian soldiers and a mix of others. The blend of individuals Levi encounters, and writes about, is almost like a reading a story composed of mainly manic characters, from moments of extreme euphoria to the downside, with moments of depression. There is almost a carnival atmosphere. There are the deceivers, the rogues, the con-artists, whether prisoner or soldier, peasant or otherwise, all are sewn into the tapestry of Levi’s long journey home. Some of their manic personalities and moods are like riding an elevator.

One minute they are up, the next minute they are down.

Levi manages to describe what he witnesses in these individuals with exacting details, as he journeys home. His mind’s eye is extremely insightful. He isn’t judgmental, but writes more like a journalist, in an almost indifferent manner. He leaves us to decipher our thoughts and emotions, as to what is right or wrong, good or bad, positive or negative. Levi leaves the judgment, or not, up to the reader.

Levi’s journey home took him through several countries, from Russia to Hungary, and Romania before reaching home. His perspective of the rural countryside, villages and cities are filled with vivid and colorful description, from bombed homes and buildings, to death and destruction, to the harsh Russian steppes in the landscape, to the bartering markets, word-paintings flourish throughout “The Reawakening”.

As we journey with Levi, we gain insight into the human condition, the difficulty that the Jews encountered when trying to return home, trying to repatriate themselves. It wasn’t as simple as boarding a train and returning home to family and friends, and to familiar landscape. There were many roadblocks and adversities one had to overcome before setting foot on their homeland. It was not a one or two day journey. I gained a lot of historical information, and learned a lot about the daily interactions and dynamics of the Jewish individuals involved in the process of returning home. It was a difficult endeavor, and one that required extreme emotional and physical strength.

Levi’s “The Reawakening” is a masterpiece, and a brilliantly written memoir of brutal and bare truths, hope and inspiration, during a time period that is covered with barren landscape and displaced persons. His ability to write without judgment, as both a catharsis and as a way of bearing witness, is incredible. His ability to face the journey ahead of him without hatred, but with desire, is a testament to his strength and character. Levi has given us much to ponder in “The Reawakening”, and has brought us little-known facts of the difficulties of life immediately following liberation, and of repatriation. Primo Levi’s journey was his reawakening, his emotional development and yearning to return to life. I will not soon forget the compelling and intense journey, that is a must read for everyone.

I personally own and have read this book.
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Jew Wishes…Peace to you all.
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