How Dark the Heavens: 1400 Days in the Grip of Nazi Terror

by Sidney Iwens

1990: by Sidney Iwens - 291 pages.

Genres: Nonfiction, Holocaust

291 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1990

Reviews

[Viktor · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are ever feeling like you are having a bad day, that your life is too difficult, or that things couldn't possibly get any worse, then you should read this book. It is truly an inspiring account of the author's will to live and how he viewed life as being so precious, despite the daily hell that he existed in. The fact that he was able to survive any one of the given situations he was in is amazing, but how he managed to survive them all and share his story with us is truly miraculous. Not only was able to escape death multiple times and survive the Holocaust, but he was able to create a peaceful life and raise a family here in the United States. I looked him up on the internet and found that he lived until 2010 - truly an amazing story.

The book is written as a diary from June 1941 through April 1945, which allows it to flow very well given the nature of the story. The author is very descriptive throughout his accounts; how he was able to piece together all of the details, his thoughts, feelings, and emotions from mostly memory I will never know. I had the fortunate experience of traveling through Lithuania and eastern Latvia, where many of these events took place, so it was particularly interesting for me to read about.

[Elīna Jurberga · Rating 5 out of 5]

šādas grāmatas ir laiku pa laikam jāizlasa katram. vienkārši ir. lai novērtētu šodienu un saprastu pagātni.

[Peter Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels wrong, giving an account of such evil as was experienced by Sidney Iwens 5 stars, as if it somehow indicates praise of the tragedy-beyond-comprehension depicted therein. But the rating is the highest possible not for the story, the events recounted , or how the words on the page are presented - but rather for the gripping and raw honesty given as a gift to the reader. In a world starving for 'authenticity,' this is it - an opportunity and privilege to walk with Sidney through the perils of the human condition, to experience the cruelty (that even knowing of the historical record that confirms the depiction, cannot be fully comprehended), the loss, the perseverance, and the glimmer of hope that can be - however weakly - held onto against all evil bending it's will against you. It has given me a greater understanding of the Zionist movement seeing the torment wrought by those who just days prior were friends, neighbors, and countrymen all throughout Europe. As well as a great appreciation for those who dared to act with love in the face of danger - the giving of bread and shelter to those in need at the peril of one's very life is a humbling thing to be able to admire. Lastly, it gives my soul a deeper desperation for God, as the wickedness found in humanity when devoid of divine intervention is shown in this book to know no bounds, and the world's need for a light to be in the world that darkness cannot overcome is laid bare. I could not put this book down - and am thankful that Sidney would deign to be more vulnerable than anyone should ever have to be to be in sharing this diary of his heart and soul in the midst of trauma. Would recommend to any human being wanting to understand humanity, and the nature of good and evil.

[Olita Matejūna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiešām tumšas tik debesis..