An absolutely fresh look at the experiences of the people during WWII. The dynamics of the people actually there, trying to survive. And the fact that the author's manuscript was saved by her daughters when she was taken to Auschwitz and published 64 yrs later just makes it that much more miraculous. When you realize the history of this novel and the author's story, you must find this novel to be completely one of a kind, and at times completely engrossing and new in it's presentation. I must admit that my mind could wander with some of the descriptions, but not many. I would recommend this to any historical fiction or even non-fiction. There is a fascinating chapter at the end explaining her style, and all the details.