Fires in the Dark

Louise Doughty

If you like novels that are big in every way - not just in the number of pages but large in human history then this book is for you. Emil's journey from his birth in 1927 to 18 year-old Concentration Camp survivor cannot make for a happy read - but it is a compelling one. I would unhesitatingly recommend this book.

Extract

The woman flapped her hands to acknowledge the thanks and indicate that they should leave. She was unable to meet Anna's gaze. She knew she was the one who should be giving thanks. Anna had shared her son for a few brief moments and given the woman the chance to save her self-satisfied gadji soul. The woman would remember how she had been kind to the poor little gypsy boy for years to come. She would remind herself of it every time she did an unkind thing. Every time she beat one of her own children she would say to herself, they have no idea how lucky they are.

Parallels