Book Review: The Choice
- Ella's World
- May 22, 2019
- 3 min read
I've just finished reading The Choice by Edith Eger (click for preview), a memoir of a woman's life as a surviving prisoner of Auschwitz. Given to me as a Christmas present, I'll admit it didn't seem like something I would normally pick up. However, this beautiful book will be the one I recommend to people for a long time, regardless of what they usually like to read.
Edith Eger's story is one of hope, fear and appreciation of life's small graces. It is a powerful read that will make you count your lucky stars for the life you live today. After the opening line 'I didn't know about the loaded gun under his shirt,' you will not want to put this book down - believe me.
Survivor of the Holocaust at only age 16, Eger retells the story of her experience in Auschwitz and how the rest of her life was affected as a result. Loss, starvation and traumatic flashbacks all played a part in her young adult life, influencing the choices she made after the war.
Whilst it is hard to accept some of the harsh realities of war that were experienced by Eger, her story revolves around the freedom of choice you are given in life. Broken down into four parts; Prison, Escape, Freedom and Healing, the now 91-year-old author tells us the story of the life that was taken away by the war, alongside the life she was given thereafter.
I can't say that I've ever read a memoir before, but after this one, it is definitely something I will consider reading more of. This book in particular has come to me at a very appropriate time in my life, when I am already feeling very philosophical about the future and what choices I will make to get me to where I want to be.
Though I cannot in any way relate to the trauma Eger went through, I could certainly apply her philosophy and outlook on life to my own. She made me realise that some choices I make will be mistakes, others will lead me to greater things, but that is all just part of life.
Experience is what matters. Choosing what is right for yourself and making the most of your opportunities is what leads to fulfillment. Eger, who studied after the war to become a psychologist, emphasises the importance of allowing yourself to forgive and grieve your past experiences.
The way Eger writes is truly beautiful. The whole way through the book I found myself gasping and outwardly saying 'wow' at what this woman has been through and how she has used it to gain perspective on life. The Rider Books edition is complete with pictures from Eger's childhood and adulthood, adding to the complete awe I felt towards the author's true story.
'Something heavy drops near my feet. A stone? Will he stone me to death, the slow way?
No. It's bread. A small loaf of dark rye bread.
"You must have been hungry to do what you did," he says. I wish I could meet that man now. He's proof that twelve years of Hitler's Reich isn't enough hate to take the good out of people.'
- Edith Eger, The Choice, Page 75
Though centered around her experiences because of the war, Eger's story is not simply another story about death and destruction caused by humankind. It is the message of hope that she shares with her audience that can be applied to everyone in all walks of life.
I finished reading this book in a local garden near the beach in the sunshine. The feeling I had when I finally closed the book is a feeling I want to remember. Though the story slowed right down towards the end, she reaffirmed every bit of faith she maintains throughout the book in the last line.
I felt truly inspired.
In fact, I sat for a good while after I'd finished reading, put my headphones in and listened to one of my favourite ever songs, and I cried a little.
That's right. When books make me cry they have to be good.
It wasn't a sad cry, more of a happy welling-up at the sheer wonder of life. That 'even in hell, hope can flower.' That whatever happens in life, Eger proves that we have the ability to choose what is right for ourselves.
Out of any given opportunity, we can choose to make something good. We can choose to be happy.
We can choose to be free.
Read this damn book.
Available for purchase online here:
Also available on Amazon.
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