This book wasn't really anything I expected it to be. Since it's the second in the Night trilogy, I expected it to be a continuation of that story, more nonfiction about Wiesel's life. Instead this is a fictional story about Elisha, a Holocaust survivor fighting against British control in Palestine. At dawn another Israeli fighter is to be hanged and so Elisha is to kill an English prisoner.

I don't think this book is as powerful or important as Night is. Night hits hard on so many levels and I would recommend that book almost as a must read. This one I still enjoyed, but it doesn't feel like it has quite the same value. It almost feels like a what if continuation of Night. What if Wiesel's life had gone a different way, what if he wound up in Palestine instead of France, what if he too became a killer. Most of the book is just these musings on what if and Elisha philosophizing about his prior life and future actions.

I think it's absolutely beautifully written and translated. It has the same lyrical feel as Night where the writing itself draws me in. It's captivating just in terms of style. I think if you enjoyed Night, it's worth reading just on the basis of the writing alone.

But the story is also quite fascinating. Wiesel focuses a lot on Elisha's guilt and attempt to justify the murder he's about to commit. There are parallels drawn between what Elisha experienced under the SS officers in the camps and what John Dawson experiences under the Israeli fighters and Elisha himself. It takes place over the course of one night as Elisha struggles with his conscious.

I found it a fascinating take on trauma and manipulation, and how people can go down the road of terrorism. What I enjoyed specifically was how little it focused on the British or any atrocities committed by them. It's solely about Elisha, and the single atrocity he is about to commit. Elisha justifies it to himself, but it never felt like Wiesel did. It was a great exploration of a character.

I think at the end of the day, it was another great read. I love his prose more than anything, and while the story didn't hit me as hard as Night did, I think it's very worthwhile to read if you enjoyed Night. You will probably enjoy this one as well because I certainly did. I will definitely be finishing the trilogy at some point, but I don't feel a pressing need to read the last book anytime soon.