The Ghetto Within: A Novel

Santiago H. Amigorena's The Ghetto Within is a powerful novel of loss and unshakeable love, written to fight the silence that has stifled him since birth. It is a personal attempt to confront his grandfather's silence, passed down from generation to generation. The novel re-imagines the life of Vicente Rosenberg, a Jewish grandfather who was a Polish exile in Argentina, whose guilt provokes an enduring silence to span generations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

In his captivating English language debut, Santiago H. Amigorena courageously tackles the silence that has haunted him since his birth, skillfully weaving together fiction, biography, and memoir to craft a poignant novel that explores the depths of loss and unwavering love.

A critical sensation in France, "The Ghetto Within" is a deeply personal endeavor by the author to confront the silence that has been passed down from generation to generation in his family. The silence of Amigorena's grandfather, a Polish exile in Argentina, became his own, shaping his life and relationships.

Set in 1928, "The Ghetto Within" delves into the life of Vicente Rosenberg, one of countless European émigrés seeking a new beginning in Argentina. It is in the bustling streets of Buenos Aires that Vicente meets and marries Rosita, whose ancestral ties to Poland are more profound than her present existence. Together, they build a quiet and comfortable domestic life, raising three children and cherishing their shared experiences.

Vicente, driven by success and a longing for his mother, Gustawa, who remained in Warsaw with his siblings, embarks on a prosperous business venture. However, as rumors of war in Europe spread, Vicente's perspective shifts. The distant conflict feels distant, and his mother's letters, once frequent and heartfelt, become sporadic and delayed. Over time, Vicente piece together the reality of a tragedy that has already unfolded, and the letters cease altogether.

Guilt and anxiety consume Vicente, and he falls into a deep despair and long-standing silence. In his novel, Amigorena employs language as a powerful tool to reclaim his voice from the oblivion of familial trauma. Through his storytelling, he seeks to understand the weight of silence and the profound impact it has on individuals and generations.

"The Ghetto Within" is a captivating exploration of inheritance, resilience, and the enduring power of love. It sheds light on the complexities of family relationships, the consequences of silence, and the importance of confronting the past to heal and move forward. Amigorena's writing is elegant and evocative, drawing readers into the lives of his characters and evoking a range of emotions.

This novel is not only a personal journey for the author but also a testament to the universal human experience of loss and the resilience of the human spirit. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, love and connection can provide solace and strength. "The Ghetto Within" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling and is interested in exploring the depths of the human heart.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 148 x 218 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063018334