Demons of the Night

Growing up too fast in inhumane conditions. One of the most impressive books of Czech literature is still disturbingly relevant today. The reality of Jewish ghettos, concentration camps and death transports is seen through the eyes of children. "The demons of pure hearts in the dark night of universal despair." This is the motto of Arnošt Lustig's short stories, who himself went through several concentration camps, about the horrors of the suffering of the Jews during the Second World War. The narrative is all the more urgent because the reality of Jewish ghettos, concentration camps and death transports is experienced by children who have grown up too quickly. Erwin has to take the trousers and a gold tooth from his father, who has been dead for a few hours, in order to provide food for his sick mother and sister in the ghetto, who have not eaten for a long time... The boy steals a rabbit kept for the SS commander because of a sick friend. When he brings it to her, the girl is already gone... The boy Chicken Little tries to survive with his blind grandfather in the ruins of the Warsaw Jewish ghetto... Thanks to Lustig's storytelling skills, one of the most impressive books in Czech literature is still disturbingly relevant today. "Each short story is an independent work of art in its own right. It's hard to believe they're just literary stories. " The Times Literary Supplement "Even under the threat of death, Lustig's heroes manage to maintain their decency. their characters shine like crystals in the midst of darkness. "Curt Leviant, Washignton Post Book World