Quotes from book
The Devil's Arithmetic

Name: The Devil's Arithmetic
Author: Jane Yolen

The Devil's Arithmetic is a historical fiction novel written by American author Jane Yolen and published in 1988. The book is about Hannah Stern, a Jewish girl who lives in New Rochelle, New York and is sent back in time to experience the Holocaust. During a Passover Seder, Hannah is transported back in time to 1942 Poland, during World War II, where she is sent to a work camp and learns the importance of knowing about the past.

“You are a name, not a number. Never forget that name, whatever they tell you here. You will always be Chaya—life—to me.”

Jane Yolen book The Devil's Arithmetic

Source: The Devil's Arithmetic

“We all have such stories. It is a brutal arithmetic. But I - I am alive. You are alive. As long as we breathe, we can see and hear. As long as we can remember, all those gone before are alive inside us.”

Jane Yolen book The Devil's Arithmetic

Source: The Devil's Arithmetic

“Overhead the swallows dipped down to catch bugs rising from the ground. Then they soared back up beyond the barracks. Hannah watched them for a moment, scarcely breathing. It was as if all nature ignored what went on in the camp. There were brilliant sunsets and soft breezes. Around the commandant’s house, bright flowers were teased by the wind. Once she’d seen a fox cross the meadow to disappear into the forest.”

Jane Yolen book The Devil's Arithmetic

Source: The Devil's Arithmetic (1988), p. 154

“Know, my son, that the enemy will always be with you. He will be in the shadow of your dreams and in your living flesh, for he is the other part of yourself.”

Jane Yolen book The Devil's Arithmetic

Source: The Devil's Arithmetic (1988), p. 143