50 pages • 1 hour read
Jane YolenThe Devil's Arithmetic
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1988A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Jane Yolen's The Devil’s Arithmetic, almost 13-year-old Hannah Stern, disinterested in her family’s Passover Seder, finds herself transported from the late 1980s to 1942 Poland where she experiences the Holocaust firsthand, providing a powerful portrayal of memory, identity, and survival against a backdrop of historical and fantastical elements. The book includes traumatic depictions of the Holocaust.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen skillfully blends historical fiction and fantasy, drawing readers into the harrowing experience of the Holocaust through the eyes of a modern protagonist. Many commend the book for its emotional depth and historical accuracy, though some critics feel the fantasy element undermines the gravity of the subject. Suitable for young readers.
Who Should Read The Devil's Arithmetic?
Readers who appreciate historical fiction, particularly young adult novels set during World War II, would enjoy Jane Yolen's The Devil's Arithmetic. This book suits fans of Lois Lowry's Number the Stars and Marcus Zusak's The Book Thief, offering a poignant blend of history, survival, and personal growth.