The Devil's Arithmetic

by Jane Yolen

[Whitney @ First Impressions Reviews]

I first read The Devil's Arithmetic in sixth grade. I remember being amazed not only by the subject matter but also by the way Jane Yolen laid out impending events. Even at eleven years old I was astounded by the atrocities that occur in the book and left an impression on me.

Twenty years later and I am still stunned by The Devil's Arithmetic. At first, like Hannah, I was in the know, grasping what a black van with men in uniform symbolized and the identifying tattoo. However, once Hannah boarded the train, the air became stale and my stomach twisted. I felt sick when a baby died enroute and had an intake of breath when a pair of newlyweds chose death over separation. Jane Yolan's book is shockingly raw and must be read with eyes wide open.

As for Hannah and Rivka, a girl she befriends in the camps, I was humbled by their strength and journey as a united front. I also enjoyed the tying of two generations together, with Hannah realizing there is much to be learned from her Great-Aunt Eva.

The Devil's Arithmetic is a very disturbing book for any age. It is well written, and emphasizes the heinous acts that occurred in vivid colors. Jane Yolen has penned a work that transcends generations and is a beautifully haunting read.

This review was originally posted on First Impressions Reviews