The Black Hole of Auschwitz, by Primo Levi is an intense compilation of various writings that Levi has written.

It is not a book that is strictly a memoir, and it is not a novel. It is a work of non-fiction that encompasses articles that Levi wrote for various newspaper publications, magazines, forwards and prefaces for books written by other authors, and also his thoughts on various issues regarding the Holocaust. Some of the articles and essays are based on his books, and the content is a short, yet insightful, briefing of the particular book/s. His views on issues relating to life after the Holocaust, displaced people, and living with the memory of Auschwitz and the Holocaust as a survivor are important educational writings.

In fact some of the essays are written for children who attend school, as Levi tries to give them the tools to not only learn, but to also remember the importance of Holocaust history.

Levi formulated these articles, etc., into The Black Hole of Auschwitz bringing a well-articulated and concise synopsis of his own experiences and his perspectives of the Holocaust, during his imprisonment and after liberation.

This is not a long review of the book, as the book itself is composed of short articles and essays. It is no less important, though, and is filled with much value regarding the history of WWII and the Holocaust.

From essays on Auschwitz to camp resistance, Anne Frank to Jean Amery, Holocaust imagery to “Europe in Hell”, Holocaust denial to the Eastern European Jews, the book holds a wealth of vivid visuals and intense imagery.

Levi’s writing is profound, and his messages are strong. He does not judge, and leaves it up to the reader to form their own opinion regarding his Holocaust facts and history. It is an excellent resource to add to his books that you might have in your library, and one that is filled with much Holocaust history. I recommend The Black Hole of Auschwitz for its view of the Holocaust, view of life after the within the many articles within its pages.
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Tuesday July 21, 2009 – 29th of Tamuz, 5769