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Title: Memory Perceived : Recalling the Holocaust by Robert N. Kraft ISBN: 0275977749 Publisher: Praeger Publishers Pub. Date: November, 2002 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $49.95

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Average Customer Rating: 5

Rating: 5
Summary: A Thought Provoking Perception by Peggy Lobb
Comment: "Memory Perceived" is a brilliant account of how the persistence of memory affects the individual lives of those who have experienced severe physical and psychological trauma. Kraft examines the oral testimony of 129 Holocaust survivors, and eloquently depicts how the perceptions of the horrors each experienced affect their daily lives. It also powerfully illustrates the tremendous courage and fortitude that Holocaust survivors have, living dual lives in a world that wants to close its eyes to the cruelties of the past.

The survivors that came forward to give oral testimony at Yale University did so, according to Kraft, to leave a personal account of their experiences and perceptions of the atrocities. The witnesses want the world to remember, as they have done all their lives, the suffering of those who died and the anguish of the families that were torn apart. Furthermore, they want the world to always remember the cruelty and brutality the human being is capable of.

One cannot read the testimonies of the witnesses and not be disturbed. Yet, at the same time one cannot help but be awed by the strength of the survivors. The ability to adapt to living in a world that did not want to know about the horrendous atrocities, while at the same time, living with the torment of the persistent memories of their past trauma is inconceivable to those who were not there.

"Memory Perceived" is an academic book, in that it examines memory and the function of specific memory. Kraft explains how past personal traumatic memory creates conflicts between recovery and revenge, guilt and grief, and contentment and torment. Traumatic memory also sensitizes those who experienced the trauma to current tragic events, and makes them more aware of and empathetic to the personal sufferings of the victims. Kraft shows how personal memory influences, not only the behavior of the individual, but also families and society as a whole.

While many books written about the Holocaust provide historical details and personal stories, "Memory Perceived" explores the thoughts and emotions of the survivors, their perceptions of events and their concerns for the future. Kraft's superb analysis of oral testimonies provides insight into the psychological dimensions of traumatic memory and its consequential influence on daily survival.

Kraft is a highly skilled cognitive psychologist; and, his dedication to his work is evident in each line. This is a book that must be read, not only by those interested in the cognitive study of memory, but also by those who believe that we have not learned the lesson that complacent indifference is one of the greatest threats to humanity.
This is an excellent book and one that I highly recommend. Peggy Lobb

Rating: 5
Summary: Moving and Stunning
Comment: "Memory Perceived" takes the reader into the minds and hearts of Holocaust survivors. It uses the words of the survivors themselves in a way that is painfully understandable and deeply revealing.

The book is both direct and subtle. I have read the book twice, and I picked up as much during the second reading as the first. It is extraordinarily effective in how it presents the memories of the survivors and the many ways that these memories exert their influence on the survivors and their families.

"Memory Perceived" is a must read for anyone interested in the powerful effects of memory. In my opinion, the book is a small masterpiece.