Annotations on Holes by Louis Sachar

California State University, Dominguez Hills
University of Wisconsin, Parkside
Latest update: March 7, 2000
jeanne. Susan.

On March 7, 2000, Norma wrote:

Hi Jeanne:

Just want to let you know I read Holes and it grieves me that the same type of control, racism, lies, and indignities still take place in our society today. It's not as blatantly bold in many instances, but it's still there.  The sad part about it is that many times it goes unnoticed by the victims.  Our prisons today are not far from "Holes". There are innocent people serving sentences.  Inmates are still victimized and harrassed by the dominant group in power.  They don't make them dig physical holes; however there are permanent "holes" (scars) in the victims, caused by verbal abuse and harrassment.  Holes became very dear to my heart.   I've never been to prison, but I know someone that has, and I've heard the stories, so I can relate to Holes.

My 9 year old son is reading Holes and is enjoying it.

Thanks, Norma

On March 7, jeanne responded:

I'm delighted you shared Holes with your son. Perhaps as we discuss the structural violence of incarceration, you can help us find terms to explain the idea to our young people. Maybe if they grow up seeing structural violence for what it is, then they'll be able to change it in their generation. jeanne