All But My Life by Gerda Weissman Klein is an incredible story told from the perspective of the author as a Jewish girl during World War II. In this memoir of the things she experienced during this time of her life, Klein describes everyone she met who affected her story of survival in any way. She makes a strong point of acknowledging every person she encountered on her journey, and describes all of their own stories. She many times in the book explains that she feels an obligation and a duty to tell all of the stories of these people who played a role in keeping her alive, but who did not reach the same liberation as she did. She strongly feels that she may very possibly be the only person left to tell them. As a Jew in war-torn Poland, Klein suffered in many ways including exile from her home, separation from her family forever, and working in a camp with poor conditions. During this frightening time in her life, there was so much uncertainty and tension that it was extremely difficult not to constantly live in fear of one’s life. However, despite the horrific events that were happening to her and all around her, Klein managed to stay fascinatingly positive, almost always filled with hope. It is for this reason that her story of endurance and survival is so moving and awe-inspiring. As a reader, I would undoubtedly recommend this book for anyone who has an interest and a passion for stories of people who lived during World War II. It is an unbelievably emotional recollection of absolutely shocking and tragic occurrences that immensely moves its readers. Although it specifically fits into the category of history, even people who do not necessarily have a passion for history would be intrigued and become involved in this book, as it is written almost more like a story than a retelling of real events. No matter who it may be, this story will truly and definitely change the perspective of the reader on this particular time period as a whole, and give him or her an entirely new outlook on history.
As a reader, I would undoubtedly recommend this book for anyone who has an interest and a passion for stories of people who lived during World War II. It is an unbelievably emotional recollection of absolutely shocking and tragic occurrences that immensely moves its readers. Although it specifically fits into the category of history, even people who do not necessarily have a passion for history would be intrigued and become involved in this book, as it is written almost more like a story than a retelling of real events. No matter who it may be, this story will truly and definitely change the perspective of the reader on this particular time period as a whole, and give him or her an entirely new outlook on history.