The Night of Broken Glass

Main Themes and Topics

The Night of Broken Glass by Thomas Karlauf delves into one of the most harrowing events in modern history, the Kristallnacht or the Night of Broken Glass. The book centers around the anti-Semitic pogroms that took place on November 9, 1938, marking a brutal escalation in Nazi Germany’s assault on the Jewish population. This narrative is constructed using firsthand eyewitness accounts collected by Harvard sociologist Edward Hartshorne, offering a vivid glimpse into the torment experienced by Jews during this grim period. The book explores themes such as human cruelty, the struggle for survival, and the varying reactions from non-Jewish neighbors — ranging from empathy and assistance to hostility and apathy.

Writing Style and Tone

Karlauf's writing style in The Night of Broken Glass is meticulously detailed, focusing on conveying the gravity of the historical events through the voices of those who witnessed them. The tone is understandably somber and reflective, matching the tragic nature of the content. The author effectively combines historical narrative with personal testimony, striving for a balance between scholarly documentation and the emotional clout of the personal stories shared by survivors. Saul Friedländer’s foreword sets the stage for the gravity and importance of these accounts, adding historical depth and a survivor’s insight to this poignant collection.

Brief Summary

The Night of Broken Glass narrates the events surrounding the Kristallnacht pogrom through the accounts of Jewish individuals who survived that night. The book draws on a forgotten repository of testimonies gathered in 1939 by Edward Hartshorne, which were only recently rediscovered. Through these testimonies, readers gain direct insight into the chaos and brutality faced by the Jewish community, from violent assaults and the destruction of synagogues to the oppressive conditions in concentration camps. The book offers a raw and unfiltered record of the trauma that unfolded, making it an essential read for those interested in Holocaust history and the experiences of Jewish communities during that era.