Those Who Forget

Main Themes and Topics

Those Who Forget by Géraldine Schwarz centers around the themes of memory, responsibility, and historical reckoning. The book delves into how ordinary individuals navigated the morally murky waters of World War II Europe, with a particular focus on Schwarz’s own family. Her investigation into her German and French grandparents' lives during the war period raises important questions about complicity and the collective amnesia that often follows atrocities. This memoir not only examines personal histories but also explores the broader societal implications of memory and denial, providing a pointed commentary on the rise of far-right nationalism in contemporary Europe and the US.

Writing Style and Tone

Schwarz’s writing is both investigative and reflective, marrying a journalist's rigor with a storyteller's sensitivity. Her tone is one of urgency and introspection, as she seeks to understand not just her family's past but the collective memory of nations. The narrative is interwoven with historical analysis and personal anecdotes, providing a multifaceted look at how societies remember—or forget—their darkest periods. The author's tone is also imbued with a sense of responsibility, highlighting the perils of ignoring the lessons of history.

Awards and Recognition

Those Who Forget has been recognized for its profound exploration of memory and history, receiving praise from various reputable sources. It has been lauded for its insightful examination of historical reckoning, with reviews from The New Yorker and The Wall Street Journal highlighting its vital message about never forgetting the past. The book is noted for its contribution to public discourse on the lingering effects of far-right ideologies and the importance of confronting historical truths.

Brief Summary (no spoilers)

The book recounts Géraldine Schwarz’s journey into the past lives of her grandparents, who lived through World War II in Germany and France. Her German grandparents, neither active supporters nor resisters of the Nazi regime, exemplified the Mitlaüfer, those who passively followed along. Through painstaking research, Schwarz uncovers her grandfather's acquisition of a Jewish business under duress, prompting deeper reflections on complicity. On her mother's side, she examines the actions of her French grandfather during the Vichy regime. By blending personal family stories with broader historical analysis, Schwarz provides a compelling narrative on the importance of memory, accountability, and the lessons history imparts on current generations.