92. Signs of Survival

Signs of Survival: A Memoir of the Holocaust. Renee Hartman with Joshua M. Greene. 2022. (2021) 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Renee: In 1943, German soldiers rounded up the Jews living in my city, Bratislava, and sent them to death camps to be killed. 

Premise/plot: Signs of Survival is nonfiction for young(er) readers. It is the story of Renee and Herta, two sisters sent to Bergen-Belsen. Renee was the only 'hearing' member of her family. Her sister and parents were deaf. She is the ears of her family. After their parents are taken away, these two rely on one another. Rely might not be the right word--together they are better, stronger; being together keeps hope alive. 

The book alternates between the two girls. The last third of the novel is an aftermath, what happens to the two sisters after the war is over and they are freed from the concentration camp. 

My thoughts: I am completely unoriginal when it comes to reviewing these types of books. I always say the story is compelling. (True once again). I always say that nonfiction is powerful. (Again true this time too.) I always say every voice is worth being heard, and that every story matters. (True and true.) If you find yourself drawn to Holocaust stories and/or war stories, this one is worth your time. It is for a younger audience. (I'd say elementary school, mid-to-upper elementary schools). It is probably more intense than say Number the Stars. This one offers a unique perspective (all survivor stories could be said to be unique, I don't mean to compare apples and oranges). The situation is 100% terrifying no matter what. To imagine being in that situation and unable to hear and communicate--seems to magnify the terror. Herta relies on Renee to sign everything she needs to know.

 

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