All But My Life: Post #1

I opened All But My Life expecting to find a detailed analysis of Jewish culture and tradition. My expectations were not met. Gerda writes of praying and mentions on several occasions her Jewish heritage. However, her faith is not a major factor thus far. The exclusion of religious content presents the fact that the mistreatment of Jews was not entirely based on their religious viewpoints. Ms. Schaefer specifically mentioned this fact on Tuesday. It makes the reader realise that it could have been anyone specifically targeted.

It is difficult to read of the suffering Gerda and her family went through. When Gerda's house is being stripped of all possessions, it is as if you can feel the pain in Gerda's heart. A painful detail Gerda recalls is of the man who intentionally broke a bottle of wine in order to pay less for the "incomplete" set. Imagine the filthy hands tearing away at every aspect of your life. That is the terrible reality that Gerda had to face.

The part that hurt me the most to read was the robbery of the cultural treasures of the Jewish community in Germany. The camp at which Gerda first met Abek had a room full of sculptures, paintings, and other forms of art that were all to be distributed to Nazis. An entire culture being destroyed the remains of which were being distributed to the destroyer, who would more than likely not appreciate the artist who had crafted the beautiful work. Gerda writes of Ilse's last moments with her sanctuous piano. The piano which projected a beam of hope onto the bleak unlit wall of reality was taken and would never be returned.

The loss that Gerda must face, first of her freedom, then of her family, is extremely terrifying. Gerda's truthful writing style and attention to detail make it obvious that what is written is entirely based on fact. Having never experienced the loss of something I cherish I can not even begin to understand the suffering which Gerda and her family were forced to face. It makes me cherish the freedom I have.