Preface

The preface of Night gives a HUGE indicator on the events to come; according to the text, the subjuct matter was so depressing that no one would publish it (except for Bantam Books!). The spare-no-detail novel is an autobiography of the horror experienced by Elie Wiesel, which has changed the opinions and maybe even the outlook of life of the nonbeliever. As the preface puts it: "the shadow of death took on substance... six million times". But still people cannot believe?

It tells of how unforgettable and haunting (for lack of a better term) and grueling the concentration camp was for him, and how it almost makes life worth not living just from the sights and sounds of his people being 'purified' as the Natzis would say. The movie Conspiracy gave a great presentation of how the Germans felt and dealt with the Jews. Not only this, but certainly above all, their hatred for a people who had done no wrong towards them.

Being at the extermination camps is indescribable for Elie.

Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the little faces of the children, whose bodies I saw turned into wreaths of smoke beneath a silent blue sky. Never shall I forget those flames which consumed my faith forever. Never shall I forget that nocturnal silence which deprived me, for all eternity, of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust. Never shall I forget these things, even if I am condemned to live as long as God Himself. Never.