A stark and thoughtful account
Arne Moi provides one of the most unflinching accounts of Bergen-Belsen. Through his vivid descriptions, Arne Moi does not merely recount events, but simultaneously reflects on, evaluates and analyses what he has recounted. In doing so, he adds new perspectives and opens the door to engaging with his memories on a meta-level.
‘The first few days. Strange how little of it I’ve retained. I don’t think any of us were really there yet. We were outside observers of a horrific fantasy world; we inevitably had to be; otherwise we would have gone mad. Eyes that do not see what they see. A mind that does not realise what it perceives. A defence mechanism. Henry once put it quite bluntly. […] He turned calmly towards me and looked at me with a smile in his eyes: ‘Just stay calm. A place like that simply doesn’t exist.’“
Morality, friendship, humour
In his account, Arne Moi addresses numerous topics that go beyond a description of his experience of persecution and camp life in Bergen-Belsen. He reflects on the lessons learnt from the camps, questions of good and evil, and ponders the significance of morality, friendship and humour in extreme situations. Time and again, he contextualises and evaluates his experiences. On the subject of individual responsibility, for example, he writes:
“Fundamentally, I am convinced that only pure humanity, translated into pragmatic politics, can save mankind. It is therefore the duty of each and every one of us to start with ourselves.”
About the book
This new edition is supplemented by explanations of the context and specific facts, intended for a young and adult audience without any specific prior knowledge.
The book is available in German in print from our bookshop. You can also download the digital open-access version free of charge from Wallstein Verlag.