Night by Elie Wiesel
Over time I learned the true horrors of the Holocaust, but have never have been as moved until I read the autobiographical novel Night by Elie Wiesel. ... Steele, “Night is one of only a few books whose authors attempt to understand the Holocaust.” (Steele) Yet, through the horrors that he endures, Wiesel learns that neither filial love, optimism, nor intense religious belief can defeat the extremes of fear and starvation that were abundant in the concentration camps. ... While Wiesel’s immense respect and devotion to his father is apparent from the beginning of the memoir, other pairs differ greatly. When given the opportunity to escape the foreboding horrors, Wiesel prefers to stay alongside his family, “Naturally, we refused to be separated.” (Wiesel, 18). After his mother and sisters are separated at Auschwitz, Wiesel stays determined to do anything to remain with his father. ... With his father’s weakening of body and mind, Wiesel also finds himself weakening, ultimately leading to his father’s death.