Book details
Prisoner in Time: a Child of the Holocaust
Published in
1992
on Goodreads (9)
Description
When the Nazis take twelve-year-old Jan's family away, Jan finds shelter with friends. But a year in their attic becomes too much for him and he ventures into the dangerous streets of the city, where he finds refuge in the old Jewish cemetery and the tomb of Rabbi Loewe, who created a legendary giant—the Golem—to save his people from oppression in sixteenth century Prague. Jan travels back in time. Will he find a way to escape from the fate that was to befall a million and a half Jewish children in Nazi-occupied Europe?
Age
10-13
Text complexity
proficient
Length
142 pages
Why to read
- Educational Insight: The book provides a detailed and personal account of the Holocaust, offering readers an opportunity to learn about this tragic period in history from the perspective of a child. It serves as an important educational tool for understanding the impact of the Holocaust on individuals and society.
- Emotional Connection: Pamela Melnikoff's narrative allows readers to connect emotionally with the protagonist, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the human experiences during the Holocaust. This connection can inspire readers to reflect on the importance of tolerance and the consequences of hatred.
- Historical Significance: 'Prisoner in Time: a Child of the Holocaust' is a significant contribution to Holocaust literature, preserving the memory of the events and the people who lived through them. Reading such accounts helps ensure that the lessons of the past are not forgotten and that such atrocities are never repeated.
- Literary Merit: The book is not only a historical document but also a work of literature that employs narrative techniques to tell a compelling story. Readers who appreciate well-crafted prose and storytelling will find value in Melnikoff's writing style and the way she conveys her experiences.