A strikingly powerful tale, The Devil's Arithmetic captures the struggles of remembering the past amidst a heartwarming family setting. Hannah, a modern-day girl, is less than enthusiastic about attending her family’s Passover Seder. She wishes to escape the incessant stories about her ancestors' history, feeling disconnected from the weight they carry. However, her indifference quickly turns into a terrifying reality when she opens the door to welcome the prophet Elijah and is mysteriously transported back in time to a Polish village in the year 1942.
In this historical setting, she assumes the identity of a girl named Chaya, who is beloved within her community. This transformation sparks an intense journey of discovery as she navigates her new reality. Amidst the quaint restorations of village life, foreboding shadows loom as Nazi soldiers threaten to rip away the peace they know. Unlike her previous ignorance, Hannah must now confront the grave dangers that her people face and reconcile the past with her present.
Lauded by critics, this novel goes beyond mere storytelling; it articulates profound themes of memory, identity, and the chilling impact of history on the present. Jane Yolen’s articulate prose and raw emotional depth ensures that readers not only engage with the characters but feel the weight of their experiences. The book has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the National Jewish Book Award and selection as an American Bookseller 'Pick of the Lists'. With a narrative that disturbs yet compels, this book is crucial for young readers to grasp the depths of human history and the resilience of the human spirit.
In summary, The Devil's Arithmetic is not just a tale of the past; it is a call to understand how history resonates through time, urging readers to remember, reflect, and hope for a brighter future.
