Books

In general, the books represent a momentary escape from the walls of Auschwitz. At the start of the novel, we see the importance books will have on the lives of the prisoners of Block 31, when Dita rushes through the camp to hide them from the guards. The Nazis do not allow learning to happen within the walls, since knowledge is an enemy to the Reich. The books help create a linear narrative of which Dita follows on her pathway to womanhood.

The books also act as a narrative crutch for right of passage of the children of Block 31. Weaving between the events in Auschwitz, and excepts from the novels, Iturbe is able to make meaningful connections from the books to the children in Block 31.

Block 31

Block 31 is one of the barracks within camp BIIb of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Known widely as the family camp, it was created by the...