Description
Book SynopsisRaymond-Raoul Lambert's Diary has been among the most important untranslated records of the experience of French Jews in the Holocaust. Lambert, a leader of the Union of French Jews (UGIF), was, in the words of the historian Michael Marrus, "arguably the most important Jewish official in contact with the Vichy government and the Germans." Lambert's Diary survived the war and was published in France in 1985. It reveals Lambert's efforts to save the Jews in France, particularly the children.
Trade ReviewCompelling. . . . This absorbing diary provides even more evidence of Nazi crimes against humanity. * Sunday Star Ledger *
Readers . . . will emerge with respect for [Lambert’s] courage in wrestling with the idolatry of loyalty. * Beacon *
One of the most important records of the experience of the Jews of France during the Holocaust. * Midwest Book Review *
Lambert's struggle to reconcile his Jewish and French identities deserves to be included in the reservoir of suffering that was Nazi Europe. . . . His decisions have been, and will be, judged by history, but readers of this book will emerge with respect for his courage in wrestling with the idolatry of loyalty as the reality of the Vichy regime undermines the 'humane culture' of France. * Tidings *
A frank portrait of a rather unfortunate good Jew caught in the deadly net of the Nazi extermination machine. * Journal Of The Royal Musical Association *
[Diary of a Witness] is an essential document for students of Vichy France. * National Catholic Reporter *
A welcome addition to the literature of Holocaust testimony. -- Donna F. Ryan * H-France Review *
