Book Review: Signs of Survival

in

International Holocaust Remembrance Day occurs on January 27th every year to commemorate the Holocaust victims. January 27th was the day Auschwitz was liberated. 


I had many books related to Holocaust/WWII on my To-Read list. I thought I’d read some stories for this month in honor of the Holocaust Remembrance Day, along with a new released book. Just released on January 4th, Signs of Survival wrote by Renee Hartman with Joshua M. Greene is a memoir of the Holocaust. Renee is a survivor, with her deaf sister. The book focused on their experiences as Jews living during the war and the camp. 


Signs of Survival is a children’s book for age 8-12, so it had 128 pages. I read the entire book in one hour. It was an easy read and kept me me drawn to their stories. It is a very raw and powerful read. This book is a transcribed compilation of video interviews that Renee did for Yale’s Holocaust testimonies archive. The book does alternates between Renee and her deaf sister, Herta. 


There aren’t too many stories including deaf people during the Holocaust so that was why I picked up this book. I only wish that Renee and Herta could share more of their experiences as this short book was very impactful and powerful. I could feel the strong sisterly bond between them that preserved them through the hard times at the camp. 


I had no idea that Renee resided in New Haven, CT so this has a New England connection too. As I mentioned, she had shared this similar story in a video interview for Yale. I was able to find it via Google and watch it. I have appreciation for her sharing her story. It is tough. 


This book comes highly recommended, as I said there aren’t too many stories out there related to Holocaust with deafness or other disabilities. I am grateful that Renee and Herta shared their perspectives with us. Their stories will stay in my heart!