I am fascinated with World War II and this was unlike any book I have read on the topic. It concentrates on one place-a concentration camp in Belgium, and it gives an interesting perspective to that country. Usually when I read about a concentration camp the book follows one person, but this book stayed at Breendonk and the people came and went throughout the book and the cruelties that were exacted in just this one place (knowing it was one of many) were overwhelming. This is obviously not a fun read and is heart wrenching, but very factual and real. It's written much like a textbook and doesn't play on your emotions purposely, but the truth is emotional.