January 27 marks International Holocaust Memorial Day, hence we’re looking at books reflecting on this year’s theme of ‘Ordinary People’. On this day, we commemorate more than six million victims of the Holocaust.

What is the purpose of this year’s theme?

What is the purpose of this year’s Holocaust Memorial theme?

Elie Wiesel, a prominent survivor of the Holocaust once said: “What is abnormal is that I am normal. That I survived the Holocaust and went on to love beautiful girls, to talk, to write, to have toast and tea and live my life – that is what is abnormal.” And that is why ordinary people are being remembered this year. Not only were ordinary people perpetrators, but they were also bystanders, rescuers, witnesses – and victims.

These contemporary classics are testaments to the power, courage, and resilience of those who experienced this atrocity. By turns haunting, unbelievable, and inspirational, these novels, nonfiction books, and memoirs all depict this moment in history and the unforgettable people affected by it from a variety of perspectives. Whilst sadly, many of these incredible writers are no longer with us, they continue their legacy through their important books.

📚 The Choice by Edith Eva Eger

📚 Jacob the Liar by Jurek Becker & Leila Vennewitz

📚 A Garden of Eden in Hell by Melissa Muller & Reinhard Piechocki

📚 Day After Night by Anita Diamant

📚 Twilight by Elie Wiesel

📚 If Not Now, When? by Primo Levi

📚 The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

📚 Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally

Remember to check out the episode on political responsibility with Professor Lewis R. Gordon. Not to mention Sabrina Mahfouz, who talks about the importance of knowing our true history wherever we came from especially as we mark Holocaust Memorial Day.