From: Vanston <jvanston>
Date: Thu, 1 Apr 1999 20:24:15 -0500 (EST)

I have lurked for a long time, much in awe of all the knowledgable people. But I wanted to chime in:

I cannot claim to have read extensively in the area of Holocaust fiction, but NO PRETTY PICTURES seems to be very unusual in it's viewpoint. Anita Lobel's experience of having been mainly raised by a Catholic (her nanny) caused her to associate herself (as a child) with Christianity. Therefore, when the discrimination against Jews escalated into atrocities, she disassociated herself from other victims because they were Jews. As a child, she seemed to feel they were somewhat responsible for her plight, because she is unwillingly associated with Jews. I think it was incredibly brave of Anita Lobel to write about her true feelings as a child. No, they are not politically correct, and she has been criticized for it. But so many people suffered- and if we need to remember so that history doesn't repeat itself, it is also important to remember that there were different experiences. Her experience was her experience, and it was a moving one.

Jen jvanston at suffolk.lib.ny.us
"People say that life is the thing, but I prefer reading"
                                   -Logan Pearsall Smith
Received on Thu 01 Apr 1999 07:24:15 PM CST