When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

Can you imagine leading a life which was besieged with anxiety and terror every day? Well, I can’t. When I first had a cursory glance at the title, I thought that this was probably a book bursting with darkness, fright and cruelty. However, it turned out to be a more positive one. The story can be traced back to 1933, when Hitler ruled Germany and persecuted Jews, which led to a great change of the Jewish destiny. The nine-year-old girl, Anna, and her family were all Jewish. For the sake of fleeing from the Nazis, they were forced to move from Berlin to Switzerland to France and ultimately to England. Every time they moved, they had to learn a new language, and adapted themselves to a different culture. Moreover, they were obliged to live under people’s discrimination and humiliation. Nevertheless, they didn’t abandon themselves on account of the insult; on the contrary, this stirred their intense desire for survival.

The book impressed me in three aspects. First, the author could use words precisely to describe the positive side of human’s soul. For instance, during Anna’s excursion into the mountain, she described the daylight as “a rosy brilliance that swept across the entire mountainside and had transformed the world into pink and orange.” I think the color pink and orange might be a symbol of hope and a yearning for a peaceful life in Anna and Max’s bosom. The author was skilled in describing the time when Jews lived a life filled with turbulence, agitation and panic, but still appreciated profoundly a slight glimmer of hope.

What’s more, the stories in this book remind me to be content and to treasure what I possess. For example, Omama said sorrowfully that if it were not for Hitler, her dog would not die. It really points out people’s feelings during the time. Many people lost their lovers and possessions because of Hitler. Additionally, Anna was eager to go to school. Unfortunately, her mother couldn’t find one for her to go to. The meantime I read “It’s not my fault that I don’t go to school,” tears rolled down my cheeks. I frequently grumble at my parents about why they sent me to school, but by looking at Anna, who craved to go to school but had no chance, I know I have to cherish my opportunity to gain education.

Third, there are many great spirits for me to learn in this book. I strongly admire Anna’s father. My teacher always told me taking action is a crucial habit of a successful person. Anna’s father happened to be the best example. He didn’t feel ashamed or disliked being a Jew; on the contrary, he was proud of being one. Instead of evading or getting furious of what the Nazis said of the Jews, he turned his anger into actions. He said that “we have to be more hard-working than other people to prove that we’re not lazy; more polite to prove that we’re not mean; more generous to prove that we’re not rude.” This kind of positive attitude of life is worthy of admiration. Besides, though being discriminated during the time when the Nazis ruled Germany, Anna’s mom impressed me by bravely intercepting a woman who was rude to Anna and Max.

After reading the book, I comprehend that misfortune sometimes can be a blessing in disguise. In spite of being deprived of the right to freedom, Anna and her family acquired friendship, discovered how to love themselves and the world more, and above all, learned that once they worked hard, no difficulties can defeat them. Because I was a premature infant, I, like Anna, must face many possible complications in my life. However, this book taught me that no matter how many predicaments are waiting for me in the future, I should always keep hope, and try to point out the more cheerful aspects of life. Since “when the sky is really dark, the stars will come out,” I should always look at the bright side and never give up hope.