TL;DR
Hannah, a modern Jewish teenager, is transported back in time to 1942 Poland during Passover. Thrust into the horrors of the Holocaust, she experiences the dehumanization and brutality of concentration camps firsthand, grappling with her identity and the resilience of the human spirit.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Author & Writing Background
Jane Yolen is a prolific American author known for her works of fantasy, science fiction, and children’s literature. With a career spanning decades, she has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the world of storytelling. Yolen’s writing is characterized by its lyrical prose, imaginative plots, and exploration of complex themes, often drawing inspiration from folklore and mythology.
Key Takeaways
Time Travel and Historical Context
The book utilizes time travel as a plot device to immerse readers in the historical context of the Holocaust, providing a unique perspective on the experiences of Jewish people during World War II.
Coming-of-Age Story
Hannah’s journey is a coming-of-age narrative as she confronts the harsh realities of the world and discovers her own inner strength and courage.
Loss of Innocence
The story portrays the devastating loss of innocence experienced by children during the Holocaust, highlighting the profound impact of war and persecution on young lives.
Importance of Memory and Storytelling
The book emphasizes the significance of remembering and sharing stories of the past to ensure that such atrocities are never forgotten or repeated.
Resilience and Resistance
Despite facing unimaginable hardships, the characters in the book demonstrate remarkable resilience and resistance, finding ways to maintain hope and dignity in the face of adversity.
Jewish Identity and Faith
Hannah’s experience leads her to a deeper understanding and appreciation of her Jewish identity and the importance of faith and tradition in times of crisis.
Power of Human Connection
The bonds of friendship and family provide solace and support for the characters, demonstrating the power of human connection to endure even in the darkest of times.
Choice and Sacrifice
The book explores themes of choice and sacrifice as characters are forced to make difficult decisions in order to survive or protect others.
FAQ about The Devil’s Arithmetic
Is The Devil’s Arithmetic based on a true story?
While the story itself is fictional, it is deeply rooted in the historical realities of the Holocaust and draws inspiration from the experiences of real people who endured the horrors of concentration camps.
What is the significance of the title The Devil’s Arithmetic?
The title refers to the cruel and inhumane calculations used by the Nazis to dehumanize and exterminate Jews during the Holocaust. It also symbolizes the harsh lessons that Hannah learns about the world through her experience.
What age group is The Devil’s Arithmetic appropriate for?
The book is generally recommended for young adults and mature readers due to its sensitive subject matter and depiction of violence and suffering.
The Devil’s Arithmetic Quotes
- “If you don’t remember the past, you are condemned to repeat it.”
- “There is no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”
- “We are all witnesses. We are all survivors.”