The endurance of familial bonds

The author uses this theme to demonstrate how the Holocaust tore families apart, and how family bonds held the individual Kurcs together when they were separated and all hope seemed lost. The significance of family is reiterated repeatedly, particularly by Addy, who is farthest from his home and loved ones. While still in Paris, he reflects on Nechuma's instructions that he not return to Radom for Passover, and how she must be very concerned to bid him to stay away, as “Nothing is more important to his mother than her family” (7). He repeats this phrase to himself a short time later while holding his mother's handkerchief, a symbol of his connection to her: “Family. Nothing is more important. He knows that now” (50). While in Brazil, Addy tortures himself with thoughts of his family, as he believes that he must not stop thinking...