no words, just read it, please

I agree with some others here that it doesn't feel fitting to rate this book in terms of usual criteria.

However, given the content I feel appropriate giving 5 stars even if just to encourage others to read. Lest we forget the atrocities that Mr Szpilman and so many others lived through in the second world war.

I first watched The Pianist film adaptation in school, and several times since. It always had a profound effect on me but now I'm so glad I've taken the time to read the first hand account. It adds so much depth being able to read the experiences 100% as intended to be conveyed and it's gut wrenching to realise how little of the adaptation is Hollywood embellishment.

Written at a time when the experiences were so recent and raw, the accounts are harrowing, horrifying and completely grounding.

Please read. Keep the events as fresh in mind; respect, grieve and learn.

If you've watched the movie there's not a whole of new information here unless you specifically want to read more about the mysterious German, Wilm Hosenfeld. If that is the case, it's a good idea. His diary gives a lot of insight.

I do feel like I was cheated by watching the movie before reading the book, so if you're wondering whether to read the book first or watch the movie first I say pick the one you like the idea of best and don't bother with the other.