Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 8:59 AM
“Everyone affected by war, captivity or aggression reacts differently, and away from it people might try to guess how they would act, or react, in the circumstances, but they do not really know.”
I recently read a book called 'Cilka's Journey' and it was phenomenal! From the first page, I was completely engrossed in the story of a young girl who becomes a woman under terrible circumstances. The book is heart-wrenching at times, but it also has a way of lifting you and making you feel inspired.
The story follows Cecelia Klein, also known as Cilka, who has spent three years in Auschwitz, a German concentration camp. When she is finally told that she is free, she discovers that her new life is just as difficult as the one she left behind. Despite the challenges, Cilka meets many brave women in the Gulag who manage to build a new life for themselves.
The book also offers a glimpse into life in a socialist country, where the wealthy still receive preferential treatment. I think this book would be of interest to a wide audience, including those with a family connection to Auschwitz, German women, Jewish women, and young women in general. I loved it even though I don't fall into any of these categories.
