Review of From Darkness into Light

[Cara Wilding]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "From Darkness into Light" by Robert Ratonyi.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Countless individuals have had the pleasure of encountering the unfiltered truth that emanates from the minds and mouths of children. There is a moment of horror and shame that materializes when your child publicly blurts out something like, "Mommy, are you having wine for breakfast?" On one hand, these comments highlight the innocence of the child, but on the other, they reveal an undeniable reality. Robert Ratonyi's book From Darkness into Light takes readers on an arresting journey of surviving the Holocaust through the perspective of a child, then navigating adulthood in the aftermath of communism, and his journey as an immigrant in North America. Ratonyi's story sheds light on the harsh truth and reality of these experiences, offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs that come with starting anew in a foreign land, and culminates in a wealth of lessons learned.

There is currently an abundance of literature on the Holocaust and the experiences of survivors, but this is the first time I've encountered it from the lens of someone so young. The author was only seven years old when the Soviet Red Army liberated Hungary, and he was born just a few months before the Holocaust began. The author's portrayal of his friend Bandi's inconsolable desire to wear a "Yellow Star" despite his mother's explanation that he was too young to wear one and his lack of understanding that it may spell life or death in the coming months was both amusing and heartbreaking.

I sensed a familiar touch in the way my own grandfather recounted his life story—softly and tenderly. However, in the author's account, I could feel a pain and understanding he couldn't fully grasp at the time. Following his involuntary separation from his mother in 1944, it proved challenging to commemorate their reunion in the summer of 1945, as he hastily fled upon witnessing her severely malnourished and almost lifeless state. Throughout the book, the author speaks candidly about difficult topics. I enjoyed this aspect of his writing tremendously.

The author's account of his formative years under communism and his gradual realization of the distinctions between fascism, communism, and democracies was the highlight of the book for me. He raises some extremely important points that I feel every American should reflect upon. This book served as a reminder to me that America is a nation of immigrants. Since I had never seen the sonnet Emma Lazarus (an American-Jewish poet) had inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty in 1903, its impact on me was great.

There was nothing about this book that I didn't enjoy. The cover and title came to life during the reading, the editing was virtually flawless, and the lessons offered at the end were the essence of why I read memoirs. For all of these reasons, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. It's a must-read for everyone. Americans need to be more aware of the positive qualities of the United States that make us an attractive immigration destination. This book also serves as a valuable reminder of the human cost of war, genocide, and toxic ideologies for readers in all countries. Usually, I wouldn't suggest a book with content on the Jewish faith to someone with anti-Semitic views. Still, I think that hearing about it from the perspective of a child (an innocent) might more effectively show how much we have in common as human beings, regardless of race, religion, or national origin.

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From Darkness into Light
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[The Keeper Jr]

I liked the book's title and the content described by you also matches very well. I can't imagine when author's bring their history into life. I haven't read memoirs alot but I have a feeling that this book might give me an understanding of the holocaust and the experience of people including the author. Personally, I have met people who had a past full of hardship and surviving in the wars, so it might be worth a try for me. I also think the United States always had and has its significance in accepting immigrants and that's also a good point to be mentioned in the book. I liked your review. You've pointed out some important aspects of the book that attracts the reader. Excellent review Cara!

[Cara Wilding]

I liked the book's title and the content described by you also matches very well. I can't imagine when author's bring their history into life. I haven't read memoirs alot but I have a feeling that this book might give me an understanding of the holocaust and the experience of people including the author. Personally, I have met people who had a past full of hardship and surviving in the wars, so it might be worth a try for me. I also think the United States always had and has its significance in accepting immigrants and that's also a good point to be mentioned in the book. I liked your review. You've pointed out some important aspects of the book that attracts the reader. Excellent review Cara!

RJ, I honestly couldn't appreciate the title or cover until I had finished reading the book. At first, it just felt "bleh," but the actual narrative made every single graphic and word meaningful. This was a cool experience in itself. I had not read many memoirs myself before joining OBC, but after reading some amazing reviews, I started reading them - I had no idea I would enjoy them so much. I think mostly because of the ability to learn something from someone else without having to go through their adversity. I mean, come on, we have enough of our own adversity to deal with as it is! I thought differently about immigration policy in the US after reading this. It made me more empathetic and compassionate for others as well, which I think is something else about reading memoirs that is productive. Thanks for taking the time to read my review and leave me thoughtful comments - much appreciated! Until next time...

[Gerry Steen]

Wow Cara, I really enjoyed reading your thorough review of From Darkness into Light. I have a friend whose father was a hidden child during the Holocaust in France. He was hidden in a Catholic school, and he would not take showers at the same time as the other boys, for fear that they might realize he was Jewish. What a terrible way to grow up! So, this book definitely catches my interest because of your review and my knowing a " hidden child ". I am also interested in the author's view of the distinctions between fascism, communism, and democracies. I am adding this book to my bookshelves. Thank you for letting me know about this book. Have a fabulous day!

[petroben]

Thank you for sharing your insightful and heartfelt review of Robert Ratonyi's "From Darkness into Light." Your reflection on the author's unique perspective as a child during the Holocaust and his later experiences offers a compelling glimpse into the profound impact of war and immigration. It's evident that the book resonated deeply with you, and your review effectively communicates its importance and relevance. Your emphasis on the universal human experience and the lessons it imparts makes a strong case for why others should read this memoir. Well done!

[Cara Wilding]

Wow Cara, I really enjoyed reading your thorough review of From Darkness into Light. I have a friend whose father was a hidden child during the Holocaust in France. He was hidden in a Catholic school, and he would not take showers at the same time as the other boys, for fear that they might realize he was Jewish. What a terrible way to grow up! So, this book definitely catches my interest because of your review and my knowing a " hidden child ". I am also interested in the author's view of the distinctions between fascism, communism, and democracies. I am adding this book to my bookshelves. Thank you for letting me know about this book. Have a fabulous day!

Gerry, I'd love to read the story of your friend's father! One of the first books I read on this subject was The Diary of Anne Frank. While there are probably similarities, I'm betting they are uniquely individual experiences. I agree; it would be an absolutely terrible way to grow up. I have to wonder, though, after living through something like this as a child, how optimistic and grateful a person would be for the rest of their lives despite any "adversity," as we know it. Or would it cloud their thoughts and minds forever toward humanity? These types of questions are why I read about these experiences, as terrible as they are. I'm glad you found another book to interest you - thank you for stopping by and leaving me such deliberate comments. Until next time...

[Cara Wilding]

Thank you for sharing your insightful and heartfelt review of Robert Ratonyi's "From Darkness into Light." Your reflection on the author's unique perspective as a child during the Holocaust and his later experiences offers a compelling glimpse into the profound impact of war and immigration. It's evident that the book resonated deeply with you, and your review effectively communicates its importance and relevance. Your emphasis on the universal human experience and the lessons it imparts makes a strong case for why others should read this memoir. Well done!

Thank you for coming by to read my review and leave thoughtful comments! You make a salient point about why memoirs appeal to readers - the lessons we can learn from them. I appreciate your kind words, until next time...

[Seetha E]

After having read a few memoirs from the same era, I find myself in agreement with the observation you've made in your concluding paragraph. It's hopeful to imagine that when both sides engage in genuine listening, their perspectives on war might shift for the better. Unfortunately, the realities of our current times suggest that humanity has yet to learn from suffering wrought by conflict. The relentless cycle of war seems to persist. Your analysis is amazing. Thank you.