East of Time is an artfully told tale of the degradation and annihilation of the Lodz Jewish community during the Hitler years, told through the actions, characterizations, and decisions of its diverse inhabitants. The story introduces us to a wide range of characters in Lodz: accomplices, victims, bystanders, and rescuers alike.
This is not a straightforward story with an easily discernable storyline; nor is it an easy or quick read. Many segments beg rereading, for clarity or merely to savor the beauty of the prose. Rosenberg’s earthy, yet lyrical language expresses the time, place and impossible choices of the citizenry during a morally challenging historical period, even if the details of the plot are somewhat murky.
Concentration is required to appreciate this narrative. Perhaps the book’s greatest achievement is the use of tales, hints, and oblique yet evocative language to convey the complex issues and choices faced by the people of Lodz. A review of Rosenberg’s title Lives and Embers can be found on page 56.