LOVERS IN AUSCHWITZ: A True Story, by Keren BlankfeldCOLD CREMATORIUM: Reporting From the Land of Auschwitz, by József Debreczeni | Translated by Paul Olchváry“Lovers in Auschwitz” is, as the title portends, a nonfiction account of two Jews who became lovers in Auschwitz. Their story lines intersect in Auschwitz, where Zippi’s position as the camp’s graphic designer allows her to communicate with David, to arrange rendezvous and to save his life. After the war, the lines diverge; Zippi and David don’t see each other again for 72 years. Yes, Zippi and David met and fell in love and even slept with each other in Auschwitz, but nearly all of this is obliquely told. There is next to nothing about how they met or how the relationship developed; all we’re given are cringey markers of excitement.

---

Persons: Keren, József Debreczeni, Paul Olchváry, Keren Blankfeld, David, David don’t, It’s, Zippi, swooned Organizations: New York Times Locations: Auschwitz, Auschwitz ”, Poland, Slovakia