3.5 stars. A contemplative, ruminating, and melancholic read, THE GHETTO WITHIN explores survivor's guilt and regret in the face of a far-flung calamity like the Holocaust through a man whose attempts to cope with his helplessness and despair serves as a metaphor for the impact of said calamity itself.

This is a character-driven story with almost no plot, focusing instead on the main character Vicente and his interactions with the world and those around him, the changing dynamics from his early immigrant years in Buenos Aires through the war years of the 1940s.

One of the aspects of the book that I greatly enjoyed is the reflections on identity, specifically of those who are marginalized: how someone, despite their self-perceived multifaceted individuality, could be solely regarded by a particular trait as circumscribed by others and society. How does an identity take precedence over others? And do we, ultimately, have any agency on this regard at all, or is it merely subjected to others' whims?

Although some might find the plotless and seemingly endless rumination not to their taste, I liked it fine. There are, however, countless typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies in the current edition, but I hope these will be rectified through further proofreading and copyediting prior to the actual publication. Overall, a reflective read with thought-provoking contemplation on the personal and psychological impact of the Holocaust--even for those indirectly affected by it.

Part memoir, part fiction, the author uses stories from his family and letters to tell the tale of his grandfathers experience during WWII. Having left Warsaw years before the war, Vincente (the authors grandfather) landed in Argentina and started his family. He left behind his mother, and siblings, who over the years sent letters about the Warsaw Ghetto and the German invasion. With the post being so slow, and news trickling to Argentina, Vincente has no choice but to imagine the horrible things that are happening to his family members. He slips deep into depression, wracked with guilt for not being able to do more.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early read in exchange for my honest review.

The Ghetto Within was thought provoking and challenging to every social construct relative to self-identity, self-espression, and how we define who we are as humans. Walking alongside Vicente as he evaluated and re-evaluated his sense of self from new perspectives of old and new conversations and relationships was powerful, yet painful. This was a fast read, but one that I would like to read again, but with time to really think about the messages behind the words.

My only disappointment is that I do wish there was a longer transition between Chapter 7 and the Epilogue, as it left off at a critical moment and picked back up with what felt like a rushed wrap up of “let me fill in the blanks of what happened for the last 20 years.” I would have liked to have been “witness” to those key moments in Vicente’s life, to hear his thoughts and perspective about how life ended for his family.

Overall, a great book and one I would highly recommend!

his is my first approved ARC by @netgalley! I was so excited to be chosen!

The Ghetto Within is part memoir, part fiction of the author’s grandfather’s experience during WWII. Vincent’s leaves his family behind in Poland and immigrates to Argentina to start a new life. He marries Rosita and has children while his family is stuck in Poland. His letters from his mother tell of the atrocities that Hitler is enacting though Europe. Vincent’s feels helpless and devolves into despair. The book shows the impact of survivor’s guilt. The story is emotional and heart wrenching.

#holocaustliterature #memior #biography #netgalley