Sunday, October 6, 2013

Alicia: My Story by Alicia Appleman Jurman (review by Maya V. '17)

AliciaAlicia by Alicia Appleman-Jurman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alicia: My Story by Alicia Appleman-Jurman is a World War II memoir of the author’s experience as a young Jewish girl during the holocaust. After her brothers are brutally murdered by the Nazis, Alicia begins to realize the gravity of the situation around her. She and her remaining family members flee to ghettos, hide from the gestapo in underground barracks, and trek across the country, but still cannot find refuge. Alicia’s entire family is soon gone, and she is left to fend for herself. Appleman-Jurman is a true master of detail and description as displayed throughout the novel. The heart wrenching details of her emotional and physical pain are agonizing. Her description of the rage and cruelty the Nazis showed towards her and others makes you question if people with such dark hearts could have ever existed. Every aspect of this novel is written with clarity, honesty, and depth, which allows you to feel like you are in the position of the main character. Alicia: My Story is a must-read for young-adults. While the story is very tragic and may not suit every reader, it forces you to appreciate even the smallest luxuries of life. If you are a fan of historical non-fiction and gorgeous descriptions, this book is definitely for you. - Maya V '17

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