Mischling, Konar - B -

                                               This novel is an imagining of the arrival of twin girls at Auschwitz, their life in  Mengele's Zoo and their first few months after their liberation. The book has been praised for its fable-like telling of such a horrible story.  Stasha and Pearl are almost thirteen when they arrive at Auschwitz in the late summer of 1944. Much of the novel is about the almost mystical relationship between twins. It is as if they can read each others' mind and feel each others' pain. Mengele is depicted in all of his horrific depravity. One reviewer points out that his specific cruelties are often skipped over because they were so monstrous. The book is well done, informative and shines a light on often unspeakable events.