Sam Kates > Quotes

“The crackle of ice being broken on the slop bucket awoke him. Thin grey light penetrated the hut through a narrow grille in the opposite wall. A man stood on the rotting plank floor, looking down at him. “It was Daniel,” the man said, rich voice belying a wasting physique. “He has found peace, Mannie?” “Yes, Samuel. He has found peace.” Samuel listened to Mannie grunt as he climbed to his cubicle. He felt a stirring beside him. Joe’s voice was heavy with sleep. “I was in a steaming bath. A fluffy white towel draped over the side. Then I heard Mannie. What was he doing in my dream?” “Daniel’s dead.” “One less for them.” They made no move to rise. Five months in camp had taught them the value of conserving energy. “Do you dream, Samuel?” “Yes. Rachel is grown up in my dreams. She is beautiful.” “I dream of Helena. I hold her tight, refusing to let her go. I am glad that it is only a dream. If I hadn’t forced her mother to take her away before it was too late…” “Sometimes,” said Samuel, “I imagine that I hadn’t let my parents take Rachel. She clung to me. The loss of her mother hit her hard.” “Helena is fortunate. She still has her mother.” “She still has her father, too.” “But for how much longer? You have heard the whispers. The Red Army is coming.” “Maybe it will be here today.” “Too soon. Perhaps a week. Who knows? By then, we could all be dead.” “If only there was a way to…” He sighed. “It doesn’t matter.” “Say it.” “If only there was a way to see our daughters again. Just once. I am not afraid of death, but my greatest regret will be not having gazed upon my daughter’s fair face one more time.”  “Maybe there is a way.” “Joe, do not make jokes.” “I am serious. What if we could ensure that one of us leaves here alive? Listen…” * * *”
― Sam Kates, Dying by Numbers

“of decomposition and”
― Sam Kates, The Reckoning

“April 2001 “Papa! I’ve found her!” Sam Rabowitz drew in breath. For a moment, all he could do was clutch the phone to his ear. “Papa? Are you there? I’ve met her.” “Where?” “She’s here. In Paris.” “Paris? Rachel, I don’t understand. The private detective…” “He was looking for Helena Lehman. Her mother changed their surname. They might not have survived the Occupation otherwise. She’s now Helena Yves.” “Helena Yves…? Will she agree to see me?” “It is all arranged. There’s a flight from Heathrow this evening.” * * *”
― Sam Kates, Dying by Numbers

“Collarbones held up frayed shirts like coat hangers. Trousers hung limply from jutting hips. Limbs shorn of flesh seemed improbably long.”
― Sam Kates, Dying by Numbers

“November 1944 They huddled close, glad for once of the cubicle’s confinement. Planks creaked as men shifted position, trying to warm up, trying to find a comfortable position on the hard, cramped surfaces. From outside came the sounds of strays mooching around the camp perimeter and guards patrolling it, barking of beasts and men alike muffled by snow. One long roof resisted the white shroud. Great chimneys thrust to the clouds, spewing ash and sparks from their mouths. A thin wailing rose, wavering, then tumbled into silence. They huddled closer. * * *”
― Sam Kates, Dying by Numbers

“were. Even”
― Sam Kates, The Reckoning