Welcome to my Sunday Book Review. Today I’m sharing my thoughts in review for Viktor E. Frankl’s powerful psychological examination of life- Man’s Search For Meaning. I have always been fascinated by WWII era history and holocaust survivor stories as my curiosity for the human condition never ceases to wonder how survivors of such atrocities – actually managed to survive.
Victor Frankl was a psychoanalyst who was also a prisoner at Auschwitz and 3 other camps. He first published this book in 1959 and the book has been revised twice since in this current 2006 edition. In Part 2, Frankl elaborates on his Logotherapy method of psychology, which is an amazing and positive method of healing the mind of concerning issues without dragging through past negativity, followed by a deeper look into Frankl’s life work and small biopic in the afterword. In the first part, Frankl shares his experience in the camps, but not to dwell on the horrors, but his observances while being a prisoner – of the human condition, resilience, and what motivates the will to live despite all odds. The second part is a fascinating approach to psychoanalysis that Frankl invented called Logotherapy – an approach that enables the patient to discover the meaning of their lives through passion
I’d like to add that in my recent interview with historical fiction writer – Paulette Mahurin, I asked her to share a book that moved her so much it stayed with her. She replied that it was this book:
“Frankl made it out of the camps and went back to his psychiatric profession in Vienna, and was subsequently a visiting professor at Harvard. What a teacher he must have been. He certainly changed my life for the better—to me there is no better educator.”
You can find the interview with Paulette HERE.
Blurb:
Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl’s memoir has riveted generations of readers with its descriptions of life in Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival. Between 1942 and 1945 Frankl labored in four different camps, including Auschwitz, while his parents, brother, and pregnant wife perished. Based on his own experience and the experiences of others he treated later in his practice, Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. Frankl’s theory-known as logotherapy, from the Greek word logos (“meaning”)-holds that our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but the discovery and pursuit of what we personally find meaningful.
At the time of Frankl’s death in 1997, Man’s Search for Meaning had sold more than 10 million copies in twenty-four languages. A 1991 reader survey for the Library of Congress that asked readers to name a “book that made a difference in your life” found Man’s Search for Meaning among the ten most influential books in America.
My 5 Star Review: ( Difficult to make this review short with such a book)
I was introduced to this book by an historical fiction author friend who recommended it, and I’m thrilled that she did. She expressed that this book is one of the most important books to read about the holocaust. It is no surprise that this book is touted as one of the top ten most influential books in America with over 10 million copies sold in various languages. Frankl, a former holocaust survivor and psychoanalyst shares his observations of survival during his imprisonment in part 1 of this book as a memoir, and part 2 is focused on his formal analysis of the human condition and his Logotherapy system.
As Frankl states about this book, “We are never left with nothing as long as we retain the freedom to choose how we will respond.” This book is a factual accounting of life in a concentration camp and Frankl’s observations reflected from that of a prisoner’s mind. As Frankl begins his story, he informs us this is not just another holocaust story, but a study about how the mind adapts to life in captivity, how some managed to survive, and the power of the human mind and how it can be uplifted as easily as it can live in a dark place.
The author’s original intent was to remain anonymous, but Frankl later came to realize by remaining anonymous would ‘mar its validity.’ Frankl had obtained a US visa prior to the outbreak of war to enable him to teach in the US. He shares with us his decision not to flee from Vienna after he questioned his father asking why he’d kept a mere piece of marble on a mantle. His father told him it was a piece that broke off from the tablet of the 10 Commandments housed in one of Vienna’s oldest synagogues til the Nationalist Socialists had burned down the synagogue. His father picked it up and inscribed on it was one Hebrew letter on the back which stood for one of the commandments – Honor thy father and mother. The simple broken piece of history was taken as a sign for Frankl to remain in Vienna with his parents.
This book is written like an essay on life as a camp prisoner, accounting for how prisoners survived, how they were affected by suddenly having their lives and dignity stripped, and coping mechanisms – a look into the human psyche. The essay covers the 3 phases a prisoner goes through mentally, as quoted by Frankl: “When one examines the vast amount of material which has been amassed as the result of many prisoners’ observations and experiences, three phases of the inmates’ mental reactions to camp life become apparent: the period following his admission; the period when he is well entrenched in camp routine; and the period following his release and liberation.”
The first phase, naturally, would be shock. The second is apathy – the blocking of emotions to the point of no longer caring – a self-defense mechanism. Survival of the most primitive occurs when all that becomes important is having an extra piece of bread, a cigarette, and dreams of a hot bath.The only decisions left to be made by a prisoner were if he’d save the daily piece of stale bread for later or eat it right away. Survival meant being in the right place at the right time – a roundup, a transfer, a beating, depended on a moment. Their last human freedom was that every day left a new decision whether or not to submit – “a decision which determined whether you would or would not submit to those powers which threatened to rob you of your very self, your inner freedom . . .”.
Those prisoners who looked to the past to hold on to sanity, left themselves in danger. Frankl elaborates on this, saying nothing to look forward to and choosing to vegetate within was a common chosen method of survival – “It is a peculiarity of man that he can only live by looking to the future . . .”. Frankl continues to explain how he used visualization to take himself out of the present and focused on freedom – “The prisoner who lost faith in the future – his future was doomed,” he added that the state of one’s immunity of his body will and a loss of hope will no doubt bring on death. He adds a Nietzche quote – “He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how.”
Phase 3 of the stages is how a prisoner’s mental state of mind reacts after liberation. Frankl talks about the guards in the camp, which I’m sure many of us wonder how any human can become so inhumane to his fellow man. Frankl informs us that naturally, there were some hardcore sadists who enjoyed their jobs, as well as during ‘selections’ within the camps for these jobs, the Nazis chose the worst of the lot to be capos, as well as some of the meek who were to do their jobs or die. Years of them being guards emboldened them to ‘do better’.
Frankl continues on by declaring there are only 2 races of men in the world – decent men and indecent men.
The psychology of a liberated prisoner is well documented by Frankl. One would think that prisoners would all feel jubilation, but freedom was still a word difficult to grasp. Frankl describes it as seeing a flower for the first time again giving only momentary joy because everything now seemed too unreal and most prisoners had become depersonalized. He shares that for many prisoners it took some time until they could actually speak – an unfamiliar god-given right. Frankl shares his personal moment when he again found his voice: A few days after liberation he walked through a flower meadow – one he’d walked daily since his release. He took in the silence and beauty of the field as though it were his first time experiencing the beauty. He acknowledged “the freedom of space”, dropped to his knees and quote: “I called to the Lord from my narrow prison and He answered me in the freedom of space.” That was the day he said his life started and he became a human being.
Frankl continued his observances well after liberation and noted some prisoners would go on to become ruthless and malevolent in retaliation for their own sufferings. It is far from easy to assimilate back into the race. Severe psychological damage leave moral deformity, disillusionment, bitterness, and melancholia. Frankl remarks that suffering has no limits. It was a devastation many could never overcome when they went back to their homes and found either or both of no home and no family. And for those who allowed themselves to eventually look back on their imprisonment, could not even fathom how they endured living in a nightmare, realizing there was nothing left on earth to fear but God.
Part 2 of this book is a fascinating insight into Frankl’s work and his successful invention of his Logotherapy, a new kind of psychoanalysis which focuses on the meaning of human existence as well as on man’s search for such a meaning. Frankl explains the difference between psychoanalysis and Logotherapy, a form of psychotherapy which focuses on the future for people to heal and get on with their lives, rather than rehashing their pasts bringing up painful memories – described as a reorientation toward the meaning of life.
Poignant:
-Approximately 1 in 28 people survived the camps.
-Logotherapy focus was not to change lives but to change attitude. Quote : “…it may well be that an individual’s impulse to take his life would have been overcome had he been aware of some meaning and purpose worth living for.”
-Frankl’s recanting of his arrival at Auschwitz and through all he’d been through managed to still cling to his manuscript – his legacy, kept hidden under his clothing, until they were stripped down for the showers. He goes on to explain, “I had to undergo and to overcome the loss of my mental child. And now it seemed as if nothing or no one would survive me …”.
“Pleasure is, and must remain, a side-effect, or by-product, and is destroyed and spoiled to the degree to which it is made a goal itself.”
“For the world is in a bad state, but everything will become still worse unless each of us does his best.”
A small summary of Logotherapy from Frankl: “Logotherapy is neither teaching nor preaching. It is as far removed from logical reasoning as it is from moral exhortation. To put it figuratively, the role played by a logotherapist is that of an eye specialist rather than that of a painter A painter tries to convey to us a picture of the world as he sees it; an ophthalmologist tries to enable us to see the world as it really is.”
This book was a most engrossing and fascinating read about the human spirit and always relevant.
©DGKaye2020
DGKayewriter.com 
A very powerful and moving review, Debby – of what is obviously a stunning book. Thank you for sharing this. Toni x
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Thank you Toni. Stunning is an appropriate word ❤
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A detailed review Debby and such an important one to share. >3
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Thank you Marje xx
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Fascinating book and review. Being a psychiatrist obviously gave him the mental strength to self-analyse and endure.
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As soon as Paulette recommended this book I ordered the paper copy (which somehow turned out cheaper than the Kindle version). A fantastical psychological read in easy to understand terms. ❤
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Thank you for your detailed review, Debby. I am interested to read this book. I find the cover and the title both intriguing. I think it might bump a couple of books further down on my list for now.
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I’m happy to hear you enjoyed my review Norah. Probably a book many should read at this time of the world. 🙂 x
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Debby, what a wonderful review of a wonderful man. Thank you. “We are never left with nothing, as long as we retain the freedom to choose how we will respond.” is a foundation in life I learned from Victor Frankl. ❤ Xxxxx
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He was a brilliant man Jane. Much to learn from this man. ❤ xoxo
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What an extraordinary man.. both heartrending and uplifting.. excellent review Debby and will share tomorrow…♥
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Thank you Sal. I went deep on this one, definitely a captivating read. An important read. ❤ xx
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I always find Holocaust books to be difficult to get through. So much pain.
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Well, the book is about a study on humanity and the work of Frankl. A good time of the world to refresh. Yes, so much pain. x
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Another amazing book I haven’t read. That line–“we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it”–I live that. It reminds me of “You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.” by Edwin Louis Cole. Thanks for this review.
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Thanks for sharing the Cole quote, now I must look him up. Truly a stunning read Jacqui 🙂
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I remember that previous mention of this book on your blog, Debby. It sounds like a really informative and amazing read but I will need to read it when I am not as stressed as I am right now. I have made a note of it for when I am next on leave.
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Wonderful Robbie. The lessons in this book are evergreen. 🙂
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I have always been in awe of this author and now the details you reveal in the review here.
Like Frankl, I believe that our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but the discovery and pursuit of what we personally find meaningful. Writers believe that; I know I do, and I suspect you do as well. 🙂
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Absolutely Marian. This is a book I will read again. ❤
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One of the all-time great books. Wonderful review, Debby!
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Thanks so much Jim. I look forward to reading it again. I’ve mangled the book with highlights and notes. 🙂
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I put my comments on Goodreads. Great book. Calling it a bestseller would be an understatement. It’s way more important that that, as you noted.
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Thank you. Yes, I saw on GR you read it. Everyone should read this book. 🙂
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Absolutely! 🙂
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This sounds like an amazing book, Deb. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful review of what sounds like a classic—forever relevant—book.. You’ve inspired me to get a copy of it.
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My absolute pleasure Lis. I look forward to your thoughts after reading. ❤
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I’ve known of this book for a long time but hadn’t yet got around to reading it. Thanks so much for giving me the impetus I needed to order it. What a timely, stimulating review! Thanks.
Gayle Moore-Morrans
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Thanks so much Gayle. I’m delighted to share this important book and happy to learn my review stimulated awareness and interest. Thanks for dropping by. 🙂
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Hi Debby – both posts are wonderful … thank you for bringing us this book at the time that’s of necessity in this free age, for us to think about how to approach our future lives – live for the future, always deciding for the future. It’s on my list for the library – once we can access that resource again … Brilliant write-ups for us. Stay safe – Hilary
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Thank you Hilary. I’m happy that I have enlightening you. I’ll look forward to your thoughts after you’ve read it. ❤
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Great book choice – and you were right, I have read it but may do so again after reading your thoughts 🙂
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Of course you must have! This is definitely a book I will read again, and maybe again! ❤
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I’ve heard so many things about this book, Debby, and haven’t read it yet, though I’ve read plenty of quotes. Frankl’s perspective is full of wisdom, kindness, and compassion regarding the human condition. Even after all his suffering. (I do have a hard time reading about the horrors of the concentration camps, which has prevented me from picking it up.) I just left a note on Sally’s blog about how timely this read might be as we enter into a changed world and face decisions about how we want to go forward. Thanks for the thought-provoking review.
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Thanks so much Diana. I know what you mean about hard to read, especially for empaths! But if it helps, this book isn’t a holocaust story in the sense it’s a novel, rather Frankl depicts situations that occurred to demonstrate his psychoanalysis of the event, rather than elaborating on the horror – if that helps. Definitely a book for those who need a reminder about what humanity is all about. I hope you get a chance to read it. ❤
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When I read the title of the book “Man’s Search for Meaning” I thought oh, I’m through with trying to find that! And then, I read your excellent review (btw: When do you find time to read so much, let alone write reviews?) My theory is that one of the reasons that Frankl survived such horrific experiences was that he used his insight and therapy knowledge. I appreciated all the quotes in your post, Debby. They added depth and richness and have made me add this book on my TBR list. Thanks, for this touching review. ❤
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Thanks Carol. I still had to edit this review. Just such a powerful book. I had to chuckle when you asked where I find the time, I’m always working, researching, and writing – just eats away at bookwriting, lol. I have a finished first draft of a book I must get to! As for reading, I don’t read during the day unless I’m at a doctor appt. with hub, while I wait I steal reading time. In the car, if he’s driving, but mostly I read at night – late at night. 🙂 xx
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What a great review, Debby – I can see how you struggled to keep it concise, clearly there is far more to this book than can easily be expressed in such a short space.
This is way out of my normal reading pattern, but the fresh (to me) psychological approach begs for me to explore it, particularly as I am fascinated by psychologically damaged individuals to inform my character creation process.
Thanks for sharing 😀
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Thanks so much Deb. Yes, for 150 page book, it’s just loaded with wisdom. There’s a reason now over 12 million copies sold. Plus, I’m certain at least half those sales came from students learning psychology. It’s a book that observes the living human being. I will be reading this book again, and maybe again. Yes, I also had so many notes, and a lot of edits, lol. ❤
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Thank you for this fabulous review Deb. Such books keep the atrocities of the holocaust alive, so essential to remind how low some people could stoop to prove their supremacy and how resilient a human mind could become to survive to tell their stories. I was beyond shocked when I read one of such books and couldn’t sleep for days!
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Thanks Balroop. I’ve read and feel compelled to read many books on the topic. But in this book there are many teachings, and the stories he talks about the analysis of the state of mind and how that alters circumstance. It would do much of the world at this time to read this book. 🙂
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I concur with the comments of your other readers. This is a book I definitely should read. The contrast between psychoanalysis and Logotherapy sounds particularly intriguing.
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Thanks Liz, it is very intriguing. 🙂 x
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As some others have said, I’ve also seen this book mentioned often by others, and read many quotes from it, but haven’t read it myself yet. I’ve read a lot around the holocaust over the years (one of my great-uncles died in a concentration camp, although he was a Spanish political prisoner) and perhaps it’s time to read it. And, although I don’t work as a psychiatrist any longer, I’m sure I’ll find the part on Logotherapy fascinating. Thanks for the recommendation, Debby.
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I was thinking about you when I read the book, wondering if as a psychiatrist you’d already read it. I would look forward to your review if you choose to read it. ❤
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Thanks for your amazing review, Debby. I haven’t heard of this book and normally steer clear of the topic because of the horrors. This part of history saddens me and I am still appalled by these events. Anyway, his book sounds intriguing because of the psychoanalysis and Logotherapy, just as others have mentioned. So, I’m inspired to add it to my list for purchasing. Thank you for opening my eyes. Wishing you a peaceful and wonderful weekend. xo
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Thank you Lauren I’m glad my review has inspired you to take a look at this important book. Keep me posted if you read it. And happy weekend to you too my friend. ❤ xx
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Thank you Debby, such a moving and detailed account of your review… We should never forget the suffering of those who went through these horrific ordeals and times… And historical accounts through a memoir hold deeper emotions of those memories….
And while I would find it an ordeal to read… I also know how important that we do not allow these kind of things to occur again..
Thank you for sharing..
Much love your way 💖💚🙏
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All of what you said. We know. ❤ xox
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