We Must Not Think of Ourselves: A Novel
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
•
Jewish Literature•
HolocaustWarsaw Ghetto • 1940s
•
Perseverance•
Grief•
World History2023
Algonquin Books
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
We Must Not Think of Ourselves by Lauren Grodstein follows Adam Paskow, a Jewish man in the Warsaw ghetto during World War II, as he documents the lives of his community for Emanuel Ringelblum’s Oneg Shabbat Archive while navigating complex moral decisions and relationships under Nazi oppression. The novel explores themes of resilience, memory, and the moral complexities of survival under extreme persecution. This story discusses the Holocaust, antisemitism, gun violence, death, and suicide.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
18,938 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
We Must Not Think of Ourselves by Lauren Grodstein is widely praised for its emotional depth and compelling narrative. Critics commend the well-developed characters and the thought-provoking themes. However, some readers find the pacing uneven. Overall, the novel’s exploration of human resilience resonates strongly, despite minor structural flaws.
Who Should Read We Must Not Think of Ourselves?
Readers who enjoy historical drama and poignant, character-driven narratives will be captivated by We Must Not Think of Ourselves by Lauren Grodstein. Fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale or Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See will appreciate Grodstein's exploration of resilience and sacrifice during World War II.
18,938 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A housemate of Adam's, Sala is married to Emil Wiskoff and has two sons. Known for her adventurous spirit, Sala navigates her responsibilities to her family while forming a deep connection with Adam.
At 15, Szifra is one of Adam's students and comes from a wealthy Jewish family. Ambitious and resilient, she bears the burden of supporting her family in the ghetto following her father’s death.
Adam's father-in-law and a wealthy Polish Catholic man, Henryk is the only one in his family to accept Adam's marriage to his daughter Kasia. He secures them an apartment in the ghetto before his own opportunistic actions catch up with him.
Another family sharing an apartment with Adam, the Wiskoffs, and others in the ghetto. The Lescovecs' experiences, including Filip's involvement in smuggling and his tragic end, illustrate the range of hardships faced by ghetto inhabitants.
304
Novel • Fiction
•
Jewish Literature•
HolocaustWarsaw Ghetto • 1940s
•
Perseverance•
Grief•
World History2023
Algonquin Books
Adult
18+ years
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