At his encouragement, I tried to write a book that is less about him and more about life as I have found it thus far. I have produced neither a biography, a literary analysis, nor even a philosophical critique of his writings, anymore than I have written a history of Holocaust events. Instead I wanted to see what would result by weaving two strands together: my own Christian experience and my reading of the Holocaust via his books. This writer (Wiesel) has changed my life, and my utmost thanks for his friendship must be that I try always to make that change a blessing. Thus, the outcome of my reflection is shared in the hope that it may assist others to venture in similar ways and to find new determination to thwart absurdity and indifference." -- John K. Roth, from Preface