Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale summary
Brief summary
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman is a graphic novel that continues the story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor. It delves into the complexities of Vladek's experiences and the enduring impact of the Holocaust.
Table of Contents
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale
Summary of key ideas
Surviving the Holocaust
In Maus II: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman, we continue the journey of Vladek Spiegelman, a Polish Jew, as he survives the horrors of the Holocaust. The narrative is framed within the author's conversations with his father, Vladek, as he recounts his experiences during the war. The characters are depicted as animals, with Jews as mice and Germans as cats, adding a layer of allegory to the story.
Vladek's story begins with his time in Auschwitz, where he endures unimaginable suffering and loss. His resourcefulness and luck help him survive, but he also faces moral dilemmas, such as when he trades valuables for better treatment, a decision that haunts him. His survival is also due to his skills as a tinsmith, which the Germans exploit, forcing him to work in their factories.
Life After the War
After the war, Vladek returns to Poland, where he learns that his first wife and son have died in the Holocaust. He then meets and marries Anja, the author's mother, who also survived the concentration camps. The couple moves to Sweden, where they have their first child, Richieu. However, Anja's mental health deteriorates, and she attempts suicide, leading to her hospitalization.
Back in Poland, Vladek becomes a successful businessman, but the rise of anti-Semitism forces the family to flee to the United States. The transition is difficult, and Vladek struggles to adapt to his new life. Anja's mental health continues to decline, and she eventually commits suicide, leaving Vladek devastated.
Complex Father-Son Relationship
Throughout Maus II, we witness the complex relationship between Vladek and the author. Vladek is depicted as a difficult and often unlikable character, with his obsessive frugality and demanding nature. The author, on the other hand, struggles with feelings of resentment and guilt towards his father, especially after his mother's death.
Despite their strained relationship, the author is determined to tell his father's story, acknowledging the immense suffering Vladek endured during the Holocaust. The narrative is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as well as a poignant exploration of the lasting impact of trauma.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, Maus II: A Survivor's Tale is a powerful and deeply personal account of one man's survival during one of the darkest periods in human history. Through the use of animal allegory and stark black-and-white illustrations, Spiegelman creates a haunting portrayal of the Holocaust, emphasizing the dehumanizing effects of the genocide. The book is a reminder of the importance of bearing witness to history and the enduring legacy of trauma.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Maus II: A Survivor's Tale about?
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale is a graphic novel by Art Spiegelman that continues the story of his father's experiences during the Holocaust. Through the use of anthropomorphic animals, Spiegelman delves into the complexities of survival, guilt, and the intergenerational impact of trauma. It is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of history and memory.
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale Review
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale (1991) is a poignant graphic novel that tells the true story of a Holocaust survivor and his harrowing experiences during World War II. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Through its powerful illustrations and raw storytelling, it captures the horrors of the Holocaust in a way that elicits empathy and understanding.
- The book delves into complex themes of trauma, memory, and identity, providing deep insights into the human experience and the lasting effects of historical events.
- By interweaving the past and present, it offers a multi-dimensional narrative that explores the complexities of survivorship, generational trauma, and the importance of remembering history.
Who should read Maus II: A Survivor's Tale?
- Readers who are interested in graphic novel memoirs
- Those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust
- Individuals who appreciate unconventional storytelling and unique artistic styles
Categories with Maus II: A Survivor's Tale
Book summaries like Maus II: A Survivor's Tale
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale FAQs
What is the main message of Maus II: A Survivor's Tale?
The main message of Maus II: A Survivor's Tale is a powerful exploration of the Holocaust and the lasting impact it has on survivors and future generations.
How long does it take to read Maus II: A Survivor's Tale?
The reading time for Maus II: A Survivor's Tale varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Maus II: A Survivor's Tale a good book? Is it worth reading?
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale is a must-read. It's a poignant and gripping graphic novel that provides a unique perspective on the Holocaust, making it both educational and emotionally impactful.
Who is the author of Maus II: A Survivor's Tale?
The author of Maus II: A Survivor's Tale is Art Spiegelman.
How many chapters are in Maus II: A Survivor's Tale?
There are multiple chapters in Maus II: A Survivor's Tale. Below is the list of chapters:
- Chapter 1: The Noose Tightens
- Chapter 2: Auschwitz (Time Flies)
- Chapter 3: The Legacy
- Chapter 4: The Great Trials
- Chapter 5: One Last Wish
- Chapter 6: The Second Honeymoon
How many pages are in Maus II: A Survivor's Tale?
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale contains 144 pages.
When was Maus II: A Survivor's Tale published?
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale was published in 1991.
What to read after Maus II: A Survivor's Tale?
If you're wondering what to read next after Maus II: A Survivor's Tale, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley