When I started reading “Something Remains” I expected it to be a typical Holocaust book. However, it was anything but. Inge Barth-Gröziner’s “Something Remains,” which is based on a true story, contains the breathtaking tale of Erich Levi and his struggle for a better life in Nazi Germany.
The story begins in 1933 in the German town of Ellwangen when the Nazis are beginning to come into power. The Levi family had been highly respected in Ellwangen, but soon Erich realizes that his family is becoming less accepted because of their Judaism.
At first the only discrimination Erich faces is that he has to stand at the back of the line. Then, he and his cousin have to sit in the front of the class. “As you clearly belong together you’d better sit together, too,” his teacher says. Before he knows it, he is getting beat up and no matter how much his parents complain to the headmaster, there’s nothing that can be done. As constant teasing and bullying become part of his daily routine, he tries to work even harder in class so his anti-Semitic teachers will give him a relatively good grade. As the situation worsens Erich and his cousin, Erwin, get kicked out of school.
A year later it gets to the point where Erich and his family must leave Ellwangen. Although he had been robbed and abused, Erich still has doubts about leaving his hometown. However, by the end of the book the 16-year-old Erich and his family escape the treacheries of Nazi Germany and move to America.
The author, Inge Barth-Gröziner, teaches at a school in Ellwangen. She and her class studied the Jews that lived in their town and discovered the story of Erich Levi. Since Erich’s name came up the most in their research, they called their project “Who Was Erich Levi?” They talked to Erich’s son, Professor Michael Levi, and other descendents of residents of Ellwangen to discover Erich Levi’s story.
The abuse that happened to the Jews in “Something Remains” was shocking and they weren’t even in a concentration camp! “Something Remains” makes it clear how lucky we are today.
From the first page I was totally hooked. As I read the book, the story played out before me. Throughout the book there is not a dull moment. Inge Barth-Gröziner brings out the truth in the Holocaust in such a way that it is impossible to ignore.
Although the publishers recommend “Something Remains” for 10-year-olds and up, only a very mature 10-year-old would be ready for it. Erich is 12, and to really understand without panicking what he is going through I think the reader should be at least 12.
“Something Remains” is one of the best Holocaust books I have ever read. Not only does it deal with the horror of the Holocaust, but also gives a sense of the characters’ lives. Inge Barth-Gröziner brings the Holocaust to life in a unique way.
“Something Remains” by Inge Barth-Gröziner (390 pages, Hyperion Books for Children, $16.99).