Alice Beatrice Pescarollo's Debut Novel Explores Love in Auschwitz

Alice Beatrice Pescarollo, born in 2004, has published her debut novel "6957- Germogli sotto la neve" (Lab DFG, 2024). The book is set in Auschwitz during the Nazi era and tells the story of a love affair between a German soldier, Alexander Mayer, and a young Jewish prisoner, Myriam Zaccaria. The narrative focuses on the transformative power of love in the most inhumane conditions, as the two characters navigate their forbidden relationship. Mayer saves Myriam from the line of women destined for death, spares her hair from being cut, and gives her attention that would have been prohibited for a Jewish prisoner. Myriam is attracted to him but struggles to trust him. The novel explores themes of humanity, fear, and the capacity for love to overcome hatred. It also touches on the moral complexities of those who served the Nazi regime out of fear, as exemplified by Mayer. The author questions whether love could exist in such a context, and the story is framed as a simple, youthful first love that is both devastating and authentic. The novel includes excerpts from Myriam's perspective, where she reflects on being just a young person with Mayer, not a soldier or prisoner. The book also celebrates friendship and hope, drawing a parallel to the rose in "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, whose quote "One sees clearly only with the heart" is referenced. The review was written by Antonia De Francesco for MIfacciodiCultura and first appeared on Artspecialday.