Livia Bitton-Jackson, Elli: Coming of Age in the Holocaust

Although I had read other books by people who survived the Holocaust, I found Coming of Age in the Holocaust to be by far the most difficult.

The difficulty lay in my own limited ability to absorb the horrors that Mrs. Bitton-Jackson recounted in sharp detail. I would read a few pages or paragraphs, sometimes only a few lines. Then I had to lay the book down and work my way through the experience she had just described. Never have I been so immersed in a true, first-person account of tragedy, outrage, and fear as I was while I lived those days in 1944-45 with her. Never have I suffered while reading a personal account as I did while reading this book. Mrs. Bitton-Jackson tells her story with deep sensitivity, classic dignity, and sympathy for those whose experiences under the Nazis were even more devastating than her own. I was impressed that she reached out, both in actuality and, when open gestures of empathy were not possible, within her heart to others who suffered with her. Thank you, Mrs. Bitton-Jackson, for writing this grand book, for being willing to draw up memories you likely wish you could forget forever to enrich the lives of your readers and increase our understanding and neighborliness to those around us.

Elli: Coming of Age in the Holocaust is a beautifully written account of young Elli growing up during the Holocaust at times haunts the reader. One can hardly believe the strength of the survivors. Bitton Jackson shares the horror of Nazi persecution, but allows the reader glimpses of the few small joys to be found while struggling to keep her family together. It is unforgettable.

There is a follow on book. It's called 'My Bridges of Hope'. It's also an amazing book and it finishes off Elli's story very well.

A wonderful book in general. Great read and I would reccommend it for sure!

This book is fantastic im only 14 years old and we read this book in class it really gives you a idea of the holocaust there are no bad points to this book apart from it being sad because of the terrible things that happened

I thought Livia Bitton-Jackson's novel was very heart-felt.

It made you think about what really happened during the Nazi reign- the book itself demonstrated that humans could harm others: physically, mentally and emotionally.

Elli and her mother's strong spirituality throughout the whole Holocaust experience has encouraged me to pray more and believe that things happen because they are meant to- that 'miracles' aren't always what we think they are: that they are made by the hands of God.

Bubi, Elli and her mother's very close relationship at the end of the novel and determination to stay together is one that I think is so great.

Elli's determination to still make it Palestine one day if she is to follow Bubi and her mother to America is important.

I can relate to the character Elli because I love learning languages also.