"Amid the horrors of Auschwitz, a young woman plays for her life." This brief sentence on the cover of a simple paperback is what drew me to this distressing and well written debut novel by Gabriella Saab.
This book follows Maria Florkowska through her resistance work in Nazi occupied Warsaw, her time in Auschwitz, and a brief period of time after her imprisonment. Maria is a mere 14 years old when she is arrested and questioned by the Gestapo in a horrific Polish jail. Following a horrendous interrogation, she is sent (along with her entire family) to Auschwitz; where they are separated almost immediately. Maria is spared, and fights through her grief (with the help of a serene Catholic priest) to survive each and every grueling day of her confinement.
An avid (and masterful) chess player, Maria attempts to see the moves of her opponents (the guards) before they make them. Predicting behaviors and their outcomes in order to stay one step ahead - and stay alive.
This well woven story shifts between Maria's time in the camp and a well timed chess game after the liberation of this horrific prison with the guard who has inflicted wounds beyond measure; Fritzsch (who is an actual historical figure - a deplorable human who, according to Rudolf Hoss, first suggested using poisonous gas for the purpose of mass murder [from wikipedia]. The deputy and acting commandant at Auschwitz.)
Saab pulls numerous characters from persons that were actually in Auschwitz; as prisoners (the priest who befriends Maria in her darkest hour), and some of the commanding officers at the camp. Making this account even more realistic (despite it being fiction). Maria faces so many difficulties throughout her years in Auschwitz, and in facing her past in the years that follow. I would move this book to the top of your TBR pile if you are a fan of the genre.
Until next time, dear ones.
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