Play Book Tag discussion

Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally - 9/25/24 - 4* - My Review

Schindler’s List (aka Schindler’s Ark) is a work of historical fiction that tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over 1,200 Jewish lives during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories and protecting them from deportation to the camps. The book follows the life of Oskar Schindler as he transforms from an opportunist to a humanitarian. Schindler enjoyed pulling the wool over the eyes of the Nazi regime and his temperament fit perfectly into a situation where bluff and bluster could sway underlings, who were afraid of challenging authority. At the beginning, Schindler is depicted as a businessman primarily motivated by profit and personal gain. He enjoys the luxuries of life and, as a member of the Nazi Party, takes advantage of the war economy. However, as he witnesses the escalating brutality, his motivations shift.

While the Holocaust involved immense collective suffering, Schindler’s actions remind us that even in the darkest times, one person can make a difference. The novel poses moral questions: How is it possible for one man to act with courage and compassion while millions of others either participated or stood by? Why did Schindler act, when so many others did not?

The book is based on extensive interviews and research. It is written such that the reader has access to the thoughts and emotions of multiple characters. The structure combines fictionalized dialogue (based on interviews) with factual details. It had been many years since I first read this novel (well before Goodreads). I wanted to refresh my memory of a book with an enduring legacy. It is not just a story of survival, but also one that explores morality and ethics, and honors the memory of the victims.

PBT September BWF Extra Letter S and tagged "sad" x13:
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...

Note: While this is a re-read, it is the first time I have written a review of this book.