Those Who Save Us - Discussion 1

Wow. I've read 27 chapters and wow.  I've been appalled, heartbroken, surprised and assured of the goodness of others in the face of evil.

This is a good book.  So much to discuss.

1. In the beginning of the novel, what is Anna's attitude towards the Jewish people of Weimar? Does her attitude change? If so, where does this transformation occur and why?

2. While she is hiding Max, Anna thinks she would "pay a high price to be plain, for her looks pose an ever-greater danger to both herself and Max." Do you see Anna's beauty as a blessing or a curse? What role does it play in shaping her destiny? How do her looks affect her relationships with Max, Gerhard, the Obersturmführer?

3. When living with Mathilde, Anna asks why Mathilde risks her life to feed the Buchenwald prisoners "when everyone else turn a blind eye." Why does Mathilde take this risk? Why does Anna? Do you think American women would react differently than German women in similar circumstances, and if so, why?

4. Anna's consistent response to Trudy's questions is, "The past is dead, and better it remain so." Why does Anna keep her silence? Is this fair to Trudy?

5. How did Rose-Grete's story affect you? Were you surprised?

6. What are your current thoughts on the book?

Sorry this post is so late in the day getting up! I wanted to make sure I was half-way through before I posted and I just got through chapter 27.  It's hard to put it down when you start reading, but man is it tough stuff to digest.

I just can't even begin to think what I would do in Anna's position.  One, I'd hope that I wouldn't have been stupid enough to think a 37 year old man was the guy for me at such a young age, but two, I'd hope to have her, and those in the Resistances, courage.  I also still cannot fathom people who claim concentration camps did not happen and that Jews are horrible people. I just can't.

“In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”   ― Anne Frank