The Tree of Life, Book Three: The Cattle Cars Are Waiting, 1942–1944 (Library of World Fiction)

I have been a student of this era for many years now. This is the most descriptive and detailed book of life in the Jewish ghettos of WWII that I have read.Ms. Rosenberg provides us with complex characters who cannot be judged “good” or “evil.” People are doing what they need to do to survive. The hierarchical structure of the ghetto is the best I’ve seen described. And of course there are heroes and villains.This book informed me, educated me, enlarged my understanding of a terrible reality, and continues to haunt me.Not an easy subject, but so important to read about. A believe this is a masterpiece and should be required reading of anyone searching for understanding of an era that cannot be understood.

The excellent writing continues with the third volume in the series. As the Jewish population of Lodz marches to its inevitable fate, no one does a better job of portraying the suffering, stress, or emotions of the poor people encased in their Ghetto jail. The poignancy of the characters is so real that as the narrative progresses, we really feel the anguish of their lives. Truly, a masterpiece of writing.

Chava Rosenfarb in remarkable. Her trilogy of the Tree of Life is remarkable. You want to stop reading sometimes because we all know what is coming, but you can't stop. You feel like you would do a terrible disservice to her characters, to her, if you don't keep going. I couldn't wait to pick it up again each time I put it down.

I was mesmerized by this series of books. I have never been able to read about the holocaust, but these were so well written I would suggest them for everyone. It is a heartbreaking topic.

What a well written novel, about the very horrible times in the Lodz Ghetto. Rosenfarb is relentless in bringing you into the horrendous conditions and the different personalities of people who were captive there. You can identify and pray for a different outcome. It is brilliantly executed. Very much recommended.

very good book.