It's in the Details

First off I'd like to say how pleased I am with how the conversations have transpired. You are all amazing and should be commended for your honesty, emotion, and thought-provoking responses. You truly are pioneers in this landscape of education and technology!

Throughout the memoir, Wiesel describes his experiences in realistic and intimate detail. He uses his words to paint a vivid picture of the hell that was the Holocaust. How is he able to do this? Don't people normally block "the bad things" from their memory in an attempt to overcome the pain? How is Wiesel able to portray such a realistic story of something that occurred in his past?

Also, is it important that survivors tell their stories? Why? (Wiesel has his opinion about this issue, but what is your opinion?)