This version of the book has been reviewed in English(3) by readers.
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What are readers saying about The Gates of the Forest: A Novel?
| Reviews of The Gates of the Forest: A Novel - Page 1 of 1 | «1»
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Elliot posted a review at 2008-10-30 16:20:48.
(Language: English)
  
This is typical Elie Wiesel: one part maudlin, one part profound. You expect to hear the roof fiddler in the background as you read. Here we follow Gregor, a sullen, unlikable character as he passes through four stages from Holocaust to Hasidic Brooklyn. First he hides out in a cave, meeting a mysterious stranger who may or may not be an angel. Next he hides out with his family's Christian housekeeper in her village posing as a deaf-mute. He's made to play the role of Judas in a passion play; chaos ensues. Then he's with the Partisans in the woods, falling in love with his childhood friend's girl; tragedy ensues. Finally, after the war, he visits singing Hasids in Brooklyn; confusion ensues. All the Christians in this book are morally ugly, the Jews morally profound. Despite the staged scenes, there are some interesting meditations about the injustice of God. Best of all, Wiesel answers the problem of evil with ritual. When the world doesn’t make sense, lift your voice, tell stories.
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A reader posted a review at 2008-05-21 12:18:03.
(Language: English)
I recently went to a talk by Wiesel, and a friend raised an interesting question. How does someone who survived the Holocaust develop such a positive outlook on life? I went and read this book for a second time to look for an answer. Although I did not find that specific answer, I was reminded why this is one of my favorite novels. Its actually quite hard for me to explain why.
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