Title: If This Is a Man • The Truce
Author: Primo Levi
First published January 1, 1987
453 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780349100135 (ISBN10: 0349100136)
Rating: 4.55
Overview
The Mirror & the Light is the breathtaking conclusion to Hilary Mantel’s award-winning trilogy, beginning with Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. The novel follows the final years of Thomas Cromwell, a man who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful figures in England.
Mantel’s vivid portrayal of predator and prey, past and present, is a compelling portrait of a nation struggling to define itself through conflict, courage, and passion. The story picks up in May 1536, with the beheading of Anne Boleyn and Cromwell’s continued ascent to power.
Despite the looming threat of invasion and rebellion, Cromwell’s unwavering vision for a reformed and innovative England drives him forward. But as his enemies close in, Cromwell’s survival hangs in the balance.
Mantel’s masterful storytelling and portrayal of Cromwell as a complex, unforgettable figure make The Mirror & the Light a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
About the Author
Primo Michele Levi was a talented writer and chemist who wrote books, novels, short stories, essays, and poems. His masterpiece, The Periodic Table, which linked the elements to qualities, was named the best science book ever written by the Royal Institution of Great Britain in 1975.
Sadly, Levi spent eleven months imprisoned at Monowitz in the Auschwitz concentration camp complex, where he was one of 650 Italian Jews in his transport. Only twenty of them survived the camps, and Levi was one of the lucky survivors.
His record number was 174,517, and the Red Army liberated the camp on January 18, 1945.
To honor his legacy, the Primo Levi Center was established. The center’s purpose is to research and analyze the history and culture of Italian Jewry.
Editoral Review
Primo Levi’s If This Is a Man is an autobiographical account of his time spent in Auschwitz during the Holocaust. The book is a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II and the importance of never forgetting them.
The Truce, the sequel to If This Is a Man, follows Levi’s journey home to Italy after the war. Levi’s writing style is concise yet impactful and provides a visceral understanding of the horrors he experienced.
He masterfully conveys not only the physical brutality of the camps but also the psychological toll it takes on an individual. While the subject matter is undoubtedly heavy, Levi manages to infuse moments of hope and humanity throughout the narrative.
The characters in If This Is a Man are mostly unnamed prisoners, making it difficult to keep track of each person’s individual story. However, the lack of detailed characterization enhances the universality of the experiences they endured.
The Truce introduces a more diverse cast, including fellow Holocaust survivors and people from all walks of life who Levi encounters on his journey home. Levi’s firsthand account of his time in Auschwitz is both historically significant and culturally relevant.
As hate crimes and discrimination continue to plague our society, Levi’s message of tolerance and respect for human dignity is more crucial than ever. Overall, If This Is a Man and The Truce are excellent works of literature that should be read by all.
The books offer a sobering reminder of the dangers of intolerance and the importance of compassion. While the subject matter is challenging, Levi’s masterful writing makes it a compelling and unforgettable read.
I give this book a 4.5 out of 5, as it is an essential read for anyone interested in World War II history or the human experience.
