Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally

Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally

            Schindler’s List is written by Thomas Keneally. It is his most famous work. Throughout the book, Keneally uses a unique style paired with firsthand accounts to create a extraordinary experience. Other novels by Keneally include The Playmaker, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, and Woman of the Inner Sea.

            The story describes the efforts of Oskar Schindler, a German industrial entrepreneur, who saves the lives of over 1000 Jews during the WWII Holocaust. Originally drawn to concentration camps for their appeal to his factory, Schindler witnesses the cruelty within them and sets out to save the prisoners by employing them in his factory. By keeping them under his authority, he ensures that they do not face the horrors of camp without protection. Based on firsthand accounts of the survivors, Schindler’s List retells Schindler’s sacrifice and compassion.

            Keneally establishes a moderate pace throughout his novel. While the book is captivating and never slow, it spends certain amounts of time on historical and biographical subjects, helping the reader find time to put the book down. Despite some slow points, most portions of text were perfectly gripping, and the reader was immersed in the story. However, these sections were brief enough for pauses in reading.

            The characters in Schindler’s List are very lifelike. Even characters less central to the plot come off as actual humans; many of them were in fact real people. Outside of Oskar Schindler himself, Itzhak Stern is a very real character. Between his accurate insights concerning the future of the Holocaust and his faith in Schindler as the Jews’ savior, he provides a hopeful beacon through the evil of the Nazi regime. Additionally, Stern proves to serve as a foreshadowing of events later in the book.

            Keneally’s writing style is ideal- advanced enough for analysis and interest, but simple enough for the average high school reader to follow easily. By using a less advanced style, Keneally opens allows enjoyable reading and increased understanding in a wide field of readers.

            The firsthand accounts and historical references serve Keneally by adding a believable layer of reality to his novel. I found these portions to be both enlightening and enriching- providing knowledge and giving depth to the story. In addition, the portrayal of the concentration camps is graphic enough to make a realistic account, but not so dark as to repulse readers. Both elements allow Keneally to present a realistic and yet captivating work.

            I award Schindler’s List five stars. Due to the historical learning available, attractive style, and fascinating story of compassion and good triumphing over evil, the novel is one of my favorite reads. I believe that anyone could enjoy this book, but those looking for a historically accurate portrayal will be most pleased. While Schindler did a great good in saving the Jews that he did, he was in many ways less than virtuous. Also, the cruelty exhibited in the concentration and death camps, particularly by Commandant Amon Goeth, does not paint a pretty picture of WWII Europe. Despite this, the story is an excellent one, and Keneally’s novel is one that I recommend to any reader at or above the High school level.

Genre:  Historical Fiction, WWII

Reviewed by:  Breece Paisley

Teacher:  Mara Pufko