Life In A Jar Sparknotes
Readers will experience Irena Sendler’s story and realize how important she was in the heart-wrenching and inspiring biography Life in a Jar by Jack Mayer. Irena Sendler was an unsung hero during the Holocaust who saved over 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto. However, she was imprisoned, tortured to the point where all her limbs broke, sentenced to death (which she narrowly escaped), and all but forgotten and shamed by Communist Poland soon after. Her work shows the main theme of the book: to love others, and stand for what’s right. Mayer does a wonderful job applying both historical information and emotional appeals to portray the truly incredible story of Irena Sendler. He does, however, write about some events that didn’t directly affect
Irena Sendler in a very long-winded way, which somewhat detracts from the story. In some sections, Mayer also utilizes Irena Sendler’s internal thoughts and emotions that she experienced during the Holocaust. This adds a whole new dimension to Irena’s story, a personal one that focuses on Irena only. She describes being terrified of what she was doing, but her love for the innocent victims and anger for the Nazis became stronger than that fear, which gives the reader a newfound feeling of courage and determination. Many readers will enjoy this story, and use the inspiration as fuel to challenge prejudice and help others. This book is recommended for Middle School Students and onward. The story, however, centers around arguably the most frightful event in history, so younger readers should be mature and read with caution. Those who enjoyed Number the Stars and The Diary of Anne Frank will find this book to be very enjoyable.
Irena Sendler in a very long-winded way, which somewhat detracts from the story. In some sections, Mayer also utilizes Irena Sendler’s internal thoughts and emotions that she experienced during the Holocaust. This adds a whole new dimension to Irena’s story, a personal one that focuses on Irena only. She describes being terrified of what she was doing, but her love for the innocent victims and anger for the Nazis became stronger than that fear, which gives the reader a newfound feeling of courage and determination. Many readers will enjoy this story, and use the inspiration as fuel to challenge prejudice and help others. This book is recommended for Middle School Students and onward. The story, however, centers around arguably the most frightful event in history, so younger readers should be mature and read with caution. Those who enjoyed Number the Stars and The Diary of Anne Frank will find this book to be very enjoyable.