Intriguing concept, but amateurish execution. The concept is based around the (historically true) fact that certain elements of Nazi leadership were so thoroughly steeped in the occult, that they established a 'facility' for answering the mail of the recently gassed concentration camp victims. Ostensibly, this was done to ensure that the disembodied spirits of the victims would not haunt the perpetrators, and interfere with Germany's military efforts. From our 21st century perspective, this premise seems rather far-fetched, yet this bizarre Nazi program (Briefaktion/"Operation Brief") did exist, and, ironically, saved the lives of a handful of highly educated, multilingual camp inmates, who otherwise would have perished as well. Into this Kafka-sequel environment is introduced a letter from philosopher Martin Heidegger to his optometrist, and fellow philosopher, who by this point, and unbeknownst to Heidegger, is in Auschwitz. Admittedly, this forms an intriguing premise, on many levels. Where the book falls apart, however, is in the execution. Without exception, all of Thaisa Frank's characters are miserably flat. They are not even developed enough to be called stereotypical. Cardboard cutouts are robustly three dimensional compared to the superficial personalities that fill out this book. No one's motivation for what they do is explored in any convincing way. The characters just seem to go though the motions to advance the plot. Overall, one is left feeling that this was a work of a graduate student in literature, not one of a real writer with something to say. I've been struggling through this book on my Kindle and have decided I'm going to have to read it in hard copy. The images of the letters written just don't work well on-screen and are too important and moving to not see as originally intended. I've also gotten side-tracked by some incorrect translations, but refuse to hold that against the author.That said, it will still be a hard read because of the subject matter, but I've been so moved by what I've read so far that I need to see it through.
What do You think about Os Óculos De Heidegger (2010)?
Another sad story of the Nazi Party and Auschwitz- and the resilience of the Jewish people.
—Cody
Very good book. It would be charming if there wasn't so much death in it.
—thijsse
Good, quick read, a little confusing at parts, but well-written.
—dee
