by Primo Levi
First published 1986
In the aftermath of the Holocaust, writer Primo Levi reflects on the friends, acquaintances, and even adversaries he encountered in the concentration camps. From desperate pleas for help to moments of unexpected kindness, these memories paint a vivid portrait of the resilience and humanity that endured even in the face of unimaginable suffering. Levi's clear-eyed recollections cut to the core, reminding us of the profound capacity for both cruelty and compassion that lies within us all.
Genres: holocaust, historical-fiction, 20th-century, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, humanity
Setting: Italy, Poland
Period: 20th century
172 pages · Hardcover · Simon & Schuster
Content warnings: violence