IF THIS IS A MAN by Primo Levi
Primo Levi writes his true memoirs of life as an Italian homosexual survivor of Auschwitz. Very well written account, both moving and surprisingly objective. It is probably the only account of the holocaust and a victim’s account, which I have read, in which he does not usually name any of the Nazi Officers or perpetrators. This is an important book for our time. However, as an English teacher, I have to admit that this book would be well beyond the capacity of the majority of my students (even those at higher level). This is more a book for 3rd level in my opinion. The vocabulary alone is too sophisticated and the many lengthy descriptive passages which it contains would turn my students off. They simply wouldn’t have the concentration for this level….I would recommend replacing this book with other more readable accounts of holocaust survival stories,of which there are many.
(Reviewed by Julie D. Teacher and Mother,Co.Dublin)