All But My Life: Evan Ramos

While reading All But My Life, there were several things that stood out to me. What impacted and bothered me the most of all was simply the way that Gerda and her family were treated by others. Time and time again, their neighbors, so-called friends, and even strangers betrayed them in the simplest ways, just because of the presence of ans new laws enforced by the German Troops. For example, when Gerda and her family received the news that they were being forced to leave, they decided to have Gerda sell some of their possessions. While doing so, a man purposefully broke a glass from her parent's wine set, and said, "'I want that set,' he said to me, 'bt I can't offer you much since a glass is missing,' and he pointed to the pieces on the floor." (31) This bothered me because it was so disrespectful to take advantage of her just for the fun of it and because he knew that she could not stop him, even if she wanted to. Another example of Gerda's poor treatment was when the gestapo ordered her family to move into their basement, and Mrs. Prozna and her daughter practically teased them by saying they were glad to have such a nice place to stay in for Christmas. This was definitely not the first time that someone that was previously so close to them, turned on them completely. I was shocked by their behavior, because before the war had begun, they were kind and loyal to Gerda, but now they act as if they're superior and owe no respect or gratitude towards the family at all. I'm surprised at the level of self control that Gerda and the others have maintained in each instance that they were disrespected, because I know for a fact that if I had been in any of those situations, I would not have gone without saying or doing anything.