The Diary of Petr Ginz, ed Chava Pressburger
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Most entries in the diary of Petr Ginz, a Jewish teenager who lived in Nazi-occupied Prague, are short and matter-of-fact. He reports on the weather, the books he is reading and the grades and punishments he earns at school. But there are ominous hints of what's in the air, narrated with cool detachment and even humour: on the new law that Jews must wear yellow stars, Petr notes, "On the way to school I counted 69 'sheriffs'." Something approaching normal life goes on while the oppressive laws are ratcheted up. What happens to those who are transported, with their carefully packed suitcases and valuables, is unknown.
Petr was sent to a concentration camp at Theresienstadt, where he lived for two years, writing stories, beginning a novel and editing a magazine. This book includes selections from these, which show that he had considerable literary and artistic talent, cruelly and pointlessly snuffed out when he was sent to his death at Auschwitz, aged 16. It's fitting that this book gives him the longevity he deserves.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments