One-line Summary:

In “The Devil’s Arithmetic,” a young girl named Hannah is transported back in time to the Holocaust, where she learns about the horrors and sacrifices of her ancestors.

The Journey Back in Time

“The Devil’s Arithmetic” by Jane Yolen is a powerful historical fiction novel that takes readers on a journey through time to the Holocaust. The story revolves around Hannah, a modern-day Jewish teenager who is transported back in time to a Polish village during World War II. At first, Hannah is dismissive of her Jewish heritage and finds the stories of her family’s past uninteresting. However, during a Passover Seder, she is mysteriously transported to a concentration camp, where she experiences firsthand the horrors of the Holocaust.

Life in the Concentration Camp

As Hannah finds herself trapped in the concentration camp, she takes on the identity of Chaya, a young girl who becomes her friend. Through Chaya’s eyes, Hannah witnesses the dehumanizing conditions, constant fear, and unimaginable cruelty inflicted upon the Jewish prisoners. She witnesses the separation of families, the loss of loved ones, and the daily struggle for survival. Hannah’s experiences in the camp force her to confront the harsh reality of the Holocaust and the sacrifices made by her ancestors.

Lessons of Courage and Resilience

Throughout her time in the concentration camp, Hannah witnesses acts of courage and resilience that inspire her. She meets Rivka, a young girl who has lost her family but remains hopeful and determined to survive. Rivka teaches Hannah the importance of holding onto one’s identity and faith, even in the face of unimaginable adversity. Hannah also learns about the bravery of those who resisted the Nazis and the sacrifices they made to protect others. These lessons of courage and resilience leave a lasting impact on Hannah, shaping her understanding of her own identity and the importance of remembering the past.

Key Takeaways:

• The Devil’s Arithmetic provides a poignant and powerful portrayal of the Holocaust, allowing readers to empathize with the experiences of those who lived through it.
• The novel emphasizes the importance of remembering and learning from history, ensuring that the atrocities of the past are never forgotten.
• Through the character of Hannah, readers are reminded of the strength and resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable horrors.

“Remembering is a chair that is hard to sit still in.”

In conclusion, “The Devil’s Arithmetic” is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that transports readers to one of the darkest periods in history. Through Hannah’s journey, the author effectively conveys the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of remembering the past. The book serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage displayed by those who lived through this dark chapter, and it encourages readers to never forget the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.