The Holocaust as Culture

Imre Kertész explores the interplay between personal experience and historical narrative, particularly reflecting on his childhood in Buchenwald and Auschwitz, and life under communist Hungary. He draws parallels between National Socialism and communist oppression while discussing the initial reception of his novel Fateless, which challenged simplistic historical narratives. The dialogue with Thomas Cooper emphasizes the complexities of interpreting history and the importance of literature in preserving the memory of Holocaust victims. Kertész's insights underline the enduring impact of the Holocaust on cultural memory.