"Upon the Head of the Goat" is a memoir by Aranka Siegal, first published in 1981. The book recounts Siegal's experiences as a Jewish child during World War II, particularly her time in Hungary and her deportation to Nazi concentration camps.
Set against the backdrop of the Holocaust, the memoir follows the author's family, focusing on the relationship between Aranka and her father. The title, "Upon the Head of the Goat," is a reference to a Jewish saying that expresses the idea of taking responsibility for one's actions.
The narrative begins in Hungary, where the Siegal family faces increasing persecution and restrictions due to the anti-Jewish laws imposed by the Nazis. As the situation worsens, they are eventually forced into ghettos and later deported to concentration camps.
The memoir provides a poignant and personal account of the horrors of the Holocaust, capturing the challenges, fears, and losses faced by the Siegal family. Aranka Siegal's writing reflects not only the physical hardships of the time but also the emotional and psychological toll of living through such a traumatic period.
"Upon the Head of the Goat" has been praised for its powerful storytelling and its ability to convey the human side of history. The book serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity and stands as a reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust.
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