Elsa by Simon Gandossi

Title: Elsa

Author: Simon Gandossi

Publisher: Xlibris

Publication Date: July 19, 2012

Synopsis: Elsa Baum dreamed of moving away from Germany a country she had watched everyday being dragged deeper into war by Adolf Hitler. Everyone was under his spell, listening and believing in everything he told them. Elsa and her close friends were the exception, they despised the Nazi’s and were soon to learn the extent of their hatred towards others they considered a threat to their ideology of the perfect superior race. After a chance meeting with the daughter of a high ranking Nazi, feelings developed and she found herself a part of the minority the Nazis were trying to eradicate.

“I don’t want my story to inspire people nor make them sad; I want it to educate
them because hate, homophobia and racism still exist today, and although
the chance of another event like the Holocaust is rare; the world will never be
rid of the foundations that cause hatred among us.
— Elsa Baum"

My Thoughts: I have always been a history buff, and I try to read everything I can about WWII and the holocaust, so when Elsa was available to review I was very excited. I started reading Elsa and I just couldn't stop. I got so wrapped up in her story. It is powerful and emotional. I knew the Nazis persecuted more than just the Jews, but to read such an amazing account of how they treated any person they deemed unfit was amazing. 

I loved Elsa so much. She was strong, and she really stood up for what she thought. Even in small ways, before all the trouble started, she tried to resist the way Germany was becoming. I admired her spirit so much. When she meets Raina and falls in love, she is still not shy. She is more cautious, but she also isn't scared to tell people she trusts.

Elsa's journey through her love with Raina, then her time in the concentration camp is so well written. I felt horrible for everything her and her friends had to go through. While Elsa was in the concentration camp my heart just broke over and over for her. The horrors she saw and was a part of are almost unbelievable. This is a book that every person should read. Elsa shows just what hate can do to people and the horrible damage it can cause. 

Rating:

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I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.